Reproductive Surgery for Pets in Olds
Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures used to sterilize cats, dogs and other animals. These are two of the most common surgeries performed at animal hospitals and are considered safe.
These routine procedures stop unwanted litters from being born, leading to fewer dogs and cats roaming the streets of our community or ending up at animal shelters.
Plus, these surgeries help curb problematic behaviors in pets and offer health benefits for your four-legged friend.
Our team at Countryside Veterinary Hospital will do everything we can to ensure your pet is as safe and comfortable as possible. We have strict surgical protocols in place, including diagnostic testing, pain management, and monitoring before and after the procedure.
Benefits of Spaying & Neutering
Find out more about what happens during each procedure and the benefits you and your pet can experience:
Neutering (Males)
During a neutering procedure (or orchiectomy), the testicles are removed from a male cat or dog to prevent them from fathering litters of kittens or puppies.
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 removes a female pet's reproductive organs. This surgery prevents your pet from becoming pregnant
Cats - Spaying your cat may help prevent your kitty from escaping your home, roaming, yowling and urinating inappropriately.
Dogs - Having your female dog spayed ends their heat cycle and helps prevent pyometra (womb infection) and mammary tumours.
When to Spay or Neuter Your Pet
Your vet is intimately acquainted with your pet's health status. While we offer these general guidelines related to spaying and neutering, please consult your veterinarian for information specific to your pet.
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Cats
We recommend that you spay or neuter your cat at six months of age. A healthy adult cat can be spayed or neutered at any age.
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Dogs
We recommend having puppies spayed or neutered starting around the age of six months. Depending on your dog's breed, your veterinarian may suggest waiting until sexual maturity is reached. Consult with your Countryside Veterinary Hospital veterinarian to determine the best time to have your dog spayed or neutered.
Spaying & Neutering FAQs
Please read through the answers to our clients' most frequently asked questions about spay and neuter procedures.
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Will my pet feel anything during the procedure?
No. Because your pet will be under general anesthesia, they will not feel anything during the procedure.
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Will my pet gain weight after the procedure?
Generally, a puppy or kitten should continue to gain weight after their spay or neuter procedure and eventually reach their full adult weight.
However, your pet will not gain weight as a direct result of being spayed or neutered.
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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 numerous factors, including your pet's size and current health status, as well as where you live in the country. To receive an accurate estimate of the cost of your pet's reproductive surgery, contact our Olds animal hospital today.
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Will my pet need to stay in the hospital overnight?
At Countryside Veterinary Hospital these procedures are day surgeries. This means that you will drop your pet off to us in the morning at a pre-arranged time then pick them up once our veterinarians have decided that your pet has recovered sufficiently and is ready to head home.
When you arrive at our animal hospital to pick up your pet following surgery, we will provide you with detailed instructions for at-home care.
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How long will it take for my pet to recover from surgery?
Spay and neuter procedures are typically day surgeries, which means pets are usually able to return home in the evening following their procedure.
Your pet's activity will need to be restricted for about 10 days, and a protective collar may need to be worn by your pet to keep them from licking the incision.
Your veterinarian may also request that you bring your pet in for a followup appointment..