Spaying and Neutering for Pets

Many people know this procedure as a way to prevent accidental off-spring, but it also provides a lot of health and behavioural benefits for your pet. The surgery involves the removal of ovaries and/or uterus for females and the removal of testicles in males. To learn more, please call us at 416-537-9677.

Is it mandatory to spay or neuter my pet?

Although it is not mandatory to have your pet spayed or neutered, it is recommended as it can dramatically increase their lifespan. The main contributor to the increased longevity is that the procedure reduces the risk of developing certain types of cancers: pyometra (a potentially fatal uterine infection), uterine, mammary gland, testicular, and other cancers of the reproductive system. Neutering male pets also reduces the risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia, which alters their ability to defecate. Also, it helps to remove unwanted behaviours such as aggression, mounting, and/or urine marking.

When should I have my pet spayed or neutered?

The timing of the procedure between cats and dogs can vary. Female kittens can enter their first heat cycle as early as 4 months, but their heat cycle is much more frequent than dogs. Therefore, it is advised to schedule the surgery before they reach 5 months of age. For dogs, small-breed dogs should be neutered at six months of age or spayed preferably before their first heat (5-6 months). Larger breeds tend to get the procedure at a later age (9-15 months) when growth has stopped, as spaying or neutering too early can affect their growth process. If your dog is in heat, then we will typically postpone the procedure until the cycle is over, as it can make the surgery more complicated. For more details, please speak with us.

Can I leave my pet home alone after the procedure?

It generally takes 14 days for your pet to recover from the procedure. Although you can leave your pet alone for most of the time, we recommend staying home with your pet for the first 24 hours. The anesthetic can take up to 24 hours to leave the system, and they could easily lose their balance or stumble when walking. After the first 24-48 hours, it should be okay to leave your pet alone for a longer duration. Regardless, make sure you constantly monitor the incision site and restrict activity and playtime!