Spay and Neuter FAQ

“Spay” and “neuter” refer to surgical operations that prevent your pet from reproducing by removing your pet’s reproductive organs. Spaying is the surgical removal of a female’s ovaries and uterus. Neutering is the surgical removal of a male’s testes. Both of these procedures are routinely performed by our London ON veterinarian.

Spaying and neutering pets positively impacts their health and behavior. Spaying females before their first heat significantly reduces the risk for breast cancer and reproductive health problems. Neutering males virtually eliminates the risk for testicular cancer. Spaying and neutering pets also helps to control their urge to mate.Owners will not need to worry about their female pets going into heat or howling at the moon in search of a mate. Neutering males produces similar behavioral benefits, including an enhanced bond between male pets and their owners. Rather than focusing their attention solely on finding a mate, neutered males will instead direct their attention towards their human family. Neutered males are less likely to spray urine to mark their territory or become aggressive towards other animals and people, which makes them better companions.

Spaying and neutering pets helps to reduce the unwanted animal population. Every year, millions of unwanted dogs and cats are placed in animal shelters, leading to overcrowding. Sadly, it is not always possible for shelters to find these animals homes. Consequently, many of these animals, including the descendants of purebred pets, must be put to sleep. Spaying and neutering stops the animal population from growing even larger, which helps to stop shelter over-crowding and give shelter animals an increased chance for adoption.

Our London ON veterinarian generally recommends spaying or neutering pets before they reach sexual maturity, which typically occurs between five and six months of age.

Pets only become fat or lazy if they are overfed and not exercised. Spaying or neutering your pet will not cause him or her to gain weight or detrimentally affect his or her playful personality.

Yes, we can still spay dogs and cats after they have a litter. Spaying should occur as soon as the kittens or puppies are weaned, typically at four to five weeks for puppies and five to six weeks for kittens.