Spaying (‘ovariohysterectomy’) is performed on females. This surgery involves the removal of both ovaries and the uterus and eliminates estrogen from the body. It protects against unwanted pregnancies.

When should I spay or neuter my pet?

We recommend that cats be at least six months of age before spaying or neutering. This ensures that they are big enough and old enough to handle anesthesia well.

This is also an excellent opportunity for us to ensure that all the adult teeth have erupted as they should and that no baby teeth remain (what we call ‘retained’ baby teeth).

If there are siblings of different sexes in the house, it is recommended to spay and neuter a bit earlier (typically around about five months) to ensure population control.

Why should I spay my dog?

The decision to spay your dog is an important one. This can be one of the most important decisions you make that will affect her long-term health and welfare. There are many reasons to spay your dog (properly termed Ovariohysterectomy and both the uterus and ovaries are removed during surgery).

There are many benefits to spaying your dog:

• Spaying makes reproduction impossible therefore it helps to curb pet overpopulation.
• Dogs that are spayed by six months of age are less likely to develop hormonally triggered behavioral issues.
• It prevents roaming behavior, therefore, limiting the risk of injury or disease.
• Prevents the ‘messes’ of the heat cycle.
• Prevents male dogs from using your yard as a campground.

Improves her health by limiting the risk of:-

• Pyometra (a possible fatal uterine infection).
• Mammary tumors and mammary cancers (if the spay is performed before the first heat cycle) the risk is subsequently reduced).
• Uterine cancer.
• Avoids the risks involved with pregnancy including, infection, abortion, nutritional imbalances and surgical intervention (C-section).