Deciding to Get Your Pet Spayed or Neutered
At Muskoka Bay Animal Clinic, our team understands that deciding to have a beloved pet spayed or neutered can be an emotional process for many pet parents.
These routine surgeries not only prevent unwanted pregnancies but also promote longer, healthier lives by significantly lowering the risk of certain infections and cancers. Additionally, these procedures can mitigate behavioral problems like aggression and roaming, fostering a more harmonious relationship between you and your pets.
Your furry friend's health is our top priority. We take precautions to ensure a safe and successful surgery, including pre-operative blood work, pain medication, and monitoring both during and after surgery. We do everything we can to ensure that your companion is comfortable and pain-free from start to finish.
Neutering (Males)
Neutering, or orchiectomy, is a surgical procedure where the testicles are removed from male dogs and cats, preventing them from fathering litters of puppies or kittens.
Cats - Neutering your cat can help to curb undesirable behaviours such as spraying, roaming and aggression towards other cats.
Dogs - Neutering your dog may help to reduce animal aggression, 'humping' and attempts at escaping your home or yard.
Spaying (Females)
Spaying, technically known as an ovariohysterectomy, removes a female pet's reproductive organs. This surgery prevents your dog or cat from becoming pregnant
Cats - Spaying your cat may help prevent your kitty from trying to escape your home, roaming, yowling and urinating inappropriately.
Dogs - Having your female dog spayed ends their heat cycle and helps prevent pyometra (uterine infection) and mammary tumours.
When to Spay or Neuter Your Pet
Cats
Kittens can be spayed or neutered as young as six weeks of age, however standard spay and neuter surgeries are most often performed when the kitten is between five and six months old. That said, a healthy adult cat of any age can also be spayed or neutered.
Dogs
Traditionally puppies have been spayed or neutered at around six months of age. However, some veterinarians have concluded that it is better to wait until the dog has reached sexual maturity before performing these reproductive surgeries. Speak to your veterinarian to determine the best time for your canine companion to be spayed or neutered.
How Spaying & Neutering Pets Benefits the Community
Tens of thousands of dogs and cats are taken in by Canadian humane societies and SPCAs every year, with countless more cared for by private rescue agencies.
These unloved pets often require substantial veterinary care when they arrive and many never find a forever home. Reducing the number of homeless dogs and cats filling Canadian shelters is one of the primary benefits of spaying and neutering pets.
Additionally, reducing the number of homeless kitties in your area could help to preserve your community's biodiversity and wildlife population, as cats naturally prey on birds, butterflies, moths, and small mammals.
Spaying & Neutering FAQs
For answers to your questions about spay and neuter procedures please read through the answers to these frequently asked questions from our clients.
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How long will it take for my pet to recover from surgery?
In most cases, spay and neuter procedures are day surgeries, allowing pets to return home in the evening following their procedure.
You will need to restrict your pet's activities for about 10 days, and they may need to wear a protective collar or onesie to prevent them from licking the incision.
Your veterinarian may also request that you book a follow-up appointment for your dog or cat.
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Will my pet feel anything during the procedure?
The comfort and safety of your furry friend is our top priority. Your dog or cat will be under general anesthesia, and will not feel anything during the procedure.
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Will my pet gain weight after the procedure?
Your puppy or kitten will continue to grow to their full adult weight after the spay or neuter procedure.
Some weight gain can occur, which can be addressed by modifying how much or what you feed your pet.
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How much will it cost to get my pet fixed?
The cost of your pet's spay or neuter surgery depends on a wide variety of factors including the size of your pet, their overall health, and where you live in the country. To get an accurate estimate of the cost of your pet's surgery contact our clinic today.
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Will my pet need to stay in the hospital overnight?
We do not offer overnight stays at our hospital. This means you will drop your pet off to us in the morning at a pre-arranged time and then pick them up once your veterinarian has decided that your pet has sufficiently recovered and is ready to head home.
When you come to our animal hospital to pick up your dog or cat, we will provide detailed instructions for at-home care.