Spaying or neutering your dog is a form of surgical reproductive sterilization. This is where the testicles (males) and ovaries and uterus (females) are removed surgically.
What does neutering/spaying a dog do?
The purpose of spaying or neutering your pet is to help reduce the unwanted pet population, reducing the risk of certain diseases (cancer), and to help reduce unwanted behavioural problems.
Why is it important to neuter/spay my dog?
Spaying and neutering your dog is essential to their overall health. These procedures decrease the risk of multiple diseases, such as mammary tumours, reproductive cancers (ovarian and testicular), pyometra (infection of the uterus), and perianal tumours. Having an intact pet will also increase their risk to wander and get lost when looking to mate. It can also increase the risk of unwanted behavioural disorders and unwanted attention from other dogs.
How old should a dog be before neutering/spaying?
Ideally, spaying and neutering should be done at approximately 6 months of age. This will vary based on the breed, large breed males may wait until closer to full grown size. For females, it is important to spay them before their first heat, this decreases their risk of mammary tumours.
How much does it cost to spay/neuter a dog?
The cost of spaying and neutering is usually based on the size of your pet. This is due to the number of anesthetics and pain medications required, which are all weight-based. These surgery packages also include exams before and after surgery, and intravenous fluids are used to keep your pet hydrated.
We recommend contacting the staff at Coxwell Animal Clinic for a specific estimate based on your pet and their needs.
