Spaying and Neutering for Pets

As overpopulation of pets continues each year, we want to ensure pet owners are playing their part to decrease the number of furry friends that end up in shelters. Apart from altering your pet’s ability to reproduce, there are a range of benefits to spaying or neutering your pet. Please contact our veterinary team at 604-544-7387 if you have questions or concerns about your pet undergoing the procedure.

Why should I consider spaying/neutering?

You might notice changes in your pet’s behaviour when they’re at the height of their reproductive window. You might notice your female pets tend to lick their genitals excessively or are behaving in a clingy way. Your pet’s heat cycle could range anywhere from one to two times a year, with variations depending on their age and genetics. This procedure helps curb these behaviours, stemming from their urge to reproduce. Spaying or neutering your pet also limits their likelihood of getting reproductive cancers like mammary or testicular. In addition, pets who have the procedure tend to live longer lives. The most widely known benefit of the procedure is that your pet will no longer be able to reproduce, also eliminating the chances of you taking care of any unexpected puppy or kitten litters.

What are the risks of getting my pet spayed/neutered?

There are risks with any surgery but we do our best to minimize them. For female pets, their fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries are removed. For male pets, their testicles are removed. Your pet is fully monitored during surgery, which means we can act quickly if there are any changes in their vitals. Since your furry friend does need to go under anesthesia for the procedure, they are kept warm with a conduction blanket. This ensures your pet is comfortable and has faster recovery from their surgery. Despite the risks involved, we do believe this is a safe procedure and do everything we can ensure it is a success.

What type of post-surgery care should I provide my pet?

Closely follow the post-surgery care recommendation provided by our veterinary team. Here are general things your can do to ensure your pet recovers well:

• Closely follow any directions for medications they’ve been prescribed
• Ensure your pet’s sleeping area is dry and comfortable
• Provide your pet with their regular food and water to ensure they are nourished/hydrated
• Avoid activities that might disrupt the healing process (ripped incisions can cause infections)