What is the difference between spaying and neutering?
Spaying involves removing a female dog's ovaries, while neutering involves removing a male dog's testicles.
At what age should I spay or neuter my dog?
This is a great question and a common one, but unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Traditionally, we advised spaying or neutering all dogs at about 6 months of age to prevent females from going through their first heat cycle and to avoid unwanted male behaviour like urine marking. However, more information has emerged suggesting that keeping dogs intact—retaining their ovaries and testicles—might offer specific joint health benefits as they're growing, and breed-specific considerations might help them further down the road. For some tiny breeds, like a teacup Yorkie, we may still recommend six months. For larger breeds, like a Great Dane, we might suggest closer to a year and a half or two years. It really depends on your pet and your personal preferences, but we can help tailor a specific time for you and your dog here.
What are the health benefits of spaying and neutering my dog?
There are many health benefits to spaying and neutering your dogs. For female dogs, removing the ovaries eliminates the risk of developing a life-threatening condition called pyometra, which requires emergency surgery. Additionally, the more heat cycles a female dog has, the higher her risk of mammary cancer when she's older, so spaying her younger can help reduce that risk. For males, there are fewer health-specific benefits, but behaviourally, it can help prevent roaming behaviour and unwanted behaviours like urine marking in the house.
Are there any reasons not to spay or neuter my dog?
The main reason not to spay or neuter your dog is if you plan to breed them in the future, as the procedures remove their ability to have puppies. There are also health reasons that might make spaying or neutering inadvisable, such as a severe heart murmur or severe kidney or liver disease, which can make anesthesia risky. If you have concerns, we're more than happy to discuss them with you.
Are there any risks associated with spaying and neutering?
The main risks associated with spaying and neutering are related to anesthesia, including blood loss and low blood pressure. At Forest Grove, we are aware of these risks and have intense monitoring throughout the procedure to catch and minimize them. In general, for a young, otherwise healthy patient, the risk is quite minimal.
How should I prepare my dog for the spaying and neutering procedure?
We will provide a detailed list of things to do before you come in. Generally, you'll want to ensure your dog is not eating after midnight unless instructed otherwise. Your dog can drink water. We will also send home some medication ahead of time, including pain medication, anti-stress, and anti-nausea medication, which you should administer as prescribed.
What should I expect on the day of surgery?
On the day of surgery, you can expect to wake up a bit early to give your dog the necessary medications. When you arrive, a team member will conduct an intake, asking questions about when your dog last ate and addressing any concerns you have. They'll confirm what you want done during anesthesia, then we'll take your dog for the day. We typically don't contact you unless there are concerns or questions until after the surgery is completed. You can expect a text or phone call, based on your preference, letting you know your pet is out of surgery and providing a pickup time, during which we'll go over all post-operative care instructions.
How long does the spaying and neutering procedure take?
The procedure itself includes several steps. For a neuter, this process takes about an hour, and for a spay, about an hour and a half. This time includes prepping your pet, placing an IV catheter, inserting a breathing tube, shaving and cleaning the surgical area, performing the surgery, and ensuring your pet wakes up from anesthesia and is alert before moving on to the next patient. The actual time spent on the surgery itself is about 10 minutes for neuters and 15 to 30 minutes for spays, depending on the dog's size.
What is the recovery process like for my dog?
The recovery process generally takes about 10 to 14 days for the skin and muscle to heal properly. In the first 24 to 48 hours, your dog might be groggy, sleepy, or less interested in food. Generally, after this period, your dog should be feeling better with good pain control, and may want to return to their normal activities. It can be challenging to keep them calm during this time.
How can I care for my dog after the surgery?
To care for your dog, ensure you administer the prescribed medications for pain and relaxation. Monitor their incision for redness or oozing without touching it. Observe your dog's behaviour; they should be back to normal within 24 to 48 hours. If they are not themselves, not eating, or not wanting affection when they usually do, it's a good idea to contact us.
Will spaying or neutering affect my dog's behaviour?
In general, spaying and neutering will not affect your dog's behaviour, especially in puppies who maintain their vibrant, bouncy attitudes. Behaviour changes are more likely in older dogs with known behaviour concerns, such as aggression or inappropriate urination, where spaying or neutering might help reduce these issues, although this is not guaranteed.
Can my dog still go into heat after being spayed?
Your dog should not be able to go into heat after being spayed because the ovaries, which produce hormones, are removed. However, rare complications can occur where a small piece of ovarian tissue is left behind. Normally, this tissue dies off on its own, but occasionally it can find a blood supply and cause what appears to be a heat cycle. In rare cases, dogs can generate ovarian tissue elsewhere in their body, similar to endometriosis in humans. If you suspect your spayed dog is going into heat, please let us know.
Can a pregnant dog be spayed?
A pregnant dog can be spayed.
Will spaying or neutering make my dog gain weight?
Although spaying or neutering itself won't cause your dog to gain weight, it can slow their metabolism. If your dog continues to eat the same amount of food as before the procedure or has free access to food, they may gain weight afterward.
Are there any long-term health issues I should monitor after spaying and neutering?
There are no specific long-term health issues to monitor after a spay or neuter. However, if you have concerns or notice something unusual about your pet, please contact us. We want to ensure your pet's well-being and are happy to help.
How much does spaying and neutering typically cost?
The cost of spaying and neutering varies widely, mostly depending on the size of your dog and whether you wish to have additional services, such as microchipping or blood work, performed while they're under anesthesia. If you'd like an estimate, please give us a call.
What should I do if my dog has complications after surgery?
If your dog experiences complications after surgery, please contact us right away. We will provide a list of symptoms to watch for after the procedure and encourage you to reach out if you notice any of them. Even if you're just worried, please call us. We might ask you to send a picture or bring your dog in for a check-up.