Mar. 1, 2025
By Paige Adams, DVM
What is Spaying?
Spaying is a surgical procedure performed to remove the ovaries and all or part of the uterus of female dogs and cats, making them unable to reproduce. It is a routine operation performed under general anesthesia by a licensed veterinarian.
Why Spay Your Pet?
Spaying offers numerous health and behavioral benefits for your pet while also contributing to population control. Here are some of the key advantages:
Health Benefits
- Reduces the Risk of Certain Cancers: Spaying eliminates the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer and significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumors, especially when performed before the first heat cycle.
- Prevention of Pyometra: This life-threatening infection of the uterus is common in unspayed females and can be completely avoided by spaying.
- Longer Life Expectancy: Spayed pets tend to live healthier, longer lives by avoiding many reproductive-related health issues.
Behavioral Benefits
- Eliminates Heat Cycles: Spaying stops heat cycles, which can lead to unwanted behaviors such as yowling in cats or nervousness in dogs.
- Reduces Roaming: Pets in heat may try to escape in search of a mate, increasing the risk of accidents or getting lost.
- Calmer Temperament: Without the urge to mate, spayed pets are often more focused and calm.
Community and Population Benefits
- Prevents Overpopulation: Millions of pets are euthanized in shelters each year due to overpopulation. Spaying your pet helps reduce this crisis.
- Fewer Stray Animals: Spaying reduces the number of unwanted litters, helping to manage the stray animal population.
When Should You Spay Your Pet?
The ideal time to spay your pet depends on their age, breed, and health. Generally, it is recommended:
- Cats: Around 5-6 months old.
- Dogs: Typically between 6-12 months, though larger breeds or working dogs may benefit from waiting longer.
Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best timing for your pet. There is a study published by UC Davis that looks at 40 dog breeds and has outlined spay/neuter timing recommendations. This may be where your veterinarian bases their recommendation, then it would be tailored to your specific needs as a family with your own pet and lifestyle.
What to Expect
Spaying is a common and safe procedure when performed by a professional. There is always inherent risk with any anesthetic event and procedure though, so we make owners aware of all possible outcomes. Your pet will need 10-14 days to fully recover from this procedure, during which you should:
- Provide a quiet, comfortable space for rest.
- Prevent them from licking or biting the incision site by keeping an elizabethan collar (cone of shame) on them at all times.
- Follow your veterinarian’s post-operative care instructions, especially to keep them calm during the recovery period to prevent complications.
Most veterinarians are taught to perform an ovariohysterectomy, in which the ovaries are removed and most/if not all of the uterus is also removed. There is a surgical method of spaying called an ovariectomy in which the ovaries are removed, but the uterus is left in the pet. Both of these surgical methods are very similar, but there are certain situations where your veterinarian may choose one over the other based on your pet’s specific anatomy and needs. If you have questions or concerns about this I recommend speaking to your veterinarian.
At Etowah Veterinary Hospital, we are committed to making the spaying process as safe and stress-free as possible for you and your pet. If you have questions or would like to schedule a spay appointment, contact us today!