Spay and Neutering
Spaying or neutering your pet helps control the population by preventing unwanted or unplanned litters. It can help prevent certain cancers, pyometra in females, and may have behavioural benefits such as lessening aggression and hyperactivity.
What does neutering/spaying do to a dog or cat?
Spaying or neutering is the removal of sex organs. Spaying removes a female’s uterus and ovaries, and neutering removes a male’s testicles.
How old should a dog or cat be before they are neutered/spayed?
Typically, we recommend spaying or neutering at about 6 months of age. Some veterinarians will recommend delaying neutering in larger breed dogs, but it is important to discuss this with your vet.
What are the benefits of spaying/neutering your pet?
Benefits include:
- The reduction of hormone related behavior problems such as roaming, marking territory, behaviour changes and aggression.
- The prevention of unwanted litters and risks associated with pregnancy such as Caesarian Sections.
- The prevention of uterine, ovarian, and mammary gland (breast) cancers in females and testicular or prostate cancer in males.
- The prevention of pyometra, a life threatening infection in the uterus.
- The prevention of annoying heat cycles.
