Spaying & Neutering for Dogs

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We recommend neutering unless you are using your pet for breeding.  Neutering can be done at about 5-6 months of age.

Neutering for females referred to as spaying is the complete removal of the ovaries and uterus.  It involves a general anesthesia and is a major abdominal surgery.  Female dogs should be spayed before their first heat cycle. Female dogs may be kept overnight following surgery.   An unaltered female dog is at a higher risk for uterine infections and mammary tumors.

Neutering for males referred to as castration is the removal of the testicles through surgery.  It involves a general anesthetic.  Male dogs are generally discharged from the hospital towards the end of their surgical day.  Neutering your male pup decreases its risk of developing prostate infections and cancer.

A neutered dog:

• Is easier to train because they will concentrate more on you and be less likely to be aggressive towards other animals.

• Is less concerned with marking their territory with urine (both indoors and outdoors)

• Has less desire to run away or roam in search of  a mate

• Makes a calmer and gentler pet

• Avoid certain health risks – such as pyometra (uterine infection) a life-threatening infection in female mammals.