Spaying and Neutering

Spaying and neutering helps with population control, behaviour, and reduces health risks for pets.

Neutering and spaying your dog is an important part of responsible pet ownership. This surgery prevents unwanted litters of puppies that can often end up in shelters. The surgery also helps prevent behavioural issues between dogs as well as improving their overall health in the long term.

What does neutering and spaying a dog do?

Neutering and spaying a dog is a surgery that removes the testicles in male dogs and the ovaries and uterus of a female dog to prevent them from breeding or exhibiting sex hormone related behaviours, such as marking or inter-dog aggression.

Why is it important to neuter and spay my dog?

The main reason to neuter or spay your dog is to prevent unwanted pregnancy in order to reduce the number of dogs in shelters that need homes. Other reasons to spay and neuter include decreasing aggressive behavioural problems such as roaming, fighting, or urine marking. Research suggests that spay and neutering your dogs may also reduce their risk of developing prostate or mammary cancer later in their lives.

How old should a dog be before they get spayed or neutered?

We recommend neutering or spaying your dog between 5 and 6 months of age. This is before the dog becomes sexually active and is able to breed.

How much does it cost to neuter/spay a dog?

The cost of a neuter/spay surgery includes an exam, the medications used during the surgery to anesthetize your dog, the surgery itself, a nail trim and some pain management to go home. There are also options for young dogs such as IV fluids and pre-anesthetic blood work. The cost of the surgery depends on your dog’s weight and it’s overall health status. We recommend calling your veterinarian’s office to discuss the best protocol for your individual pet and the associated costs.

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