Spay and Neuter Your Pets

Why Spay and Neuter?

Cards on the table, we believe spayed and neutered dogs and cats are better pets.  They have fewer health problems and less behavior issues.  Anesthesia is much safer than it used to be and with bloodwork beforehand, there is very little chance of a problem with the surgery.  Marking, roaming and the dangers associated are reduced.  Twice a year heat cycles, cancers of the reproductive organs, pyometra and not to mention, unwanted puppies and kittens are all avoided.

When to spay or neuter?

Generally between 4 and 6 months is a good time.  Your pet will have had all of its puppy vaccines and the liver and kidneys are mature enough to handle the anesthesia.  Sexual maturity is very close, so it's a good idea to spay before those behaviors begin.  If females are spayed before their first heat, many studies show a reduction in mammary cancer later in life.

What do I do?

Your pet needs to go into surgery on an empty stomach so we will ask you to take up all food and water the night before.  If you need to separate the pet having surgery so he can't get into other animals food or water, plan ahead for this.  Close the lid on the toilet bowl and make sure all family members know about the instructions.
You'll typically bring your dog or cat to the hospital early in the morning the day of surgery.  Technicians will check his weight and temperature and if needed, draw blood to test.  The doctor will check his heart and lungs before anesthetizing your pet.  He will be completely asleep during the surgery and just like humans, different pets wake up differently from anesthesia.  Your pet will be monitored until he is awake and able to maintain a stable body temperature.  He will spend the remainder of the day resting in a cage, where he will be safe. 
When you take your dog or cat home after surgery, expect them to be sleepy.  Make sure they are kept in an area where they can't hurt themselves, a crate or a small room.  Don't leave them on a sofa or near a staircase where they can fall.
They generally will not have much of an appetite.  You can offer a small amount of water.  If that stays down and he seems interested, you can offer a small amount of food.  It is completely normal for the pet to not eat at all that night.  Some pets eat a little the next day, others are back to normal.  Both are perfectly fine.

It will be a stressful day for both of you, but there's a good chance this will be his only major surgery.  Pre-anesthetic bloodwork and following your veterinarian's instructions will give your pet the best chance of an uneventful day that will improve significantly improve the rest of his life.