Keeping the Cat & Dog Population Happy & Healthy
At Stoney Trail Veterinary Clinic, we believe that the importance of spaying and neutering your cats and dogs cannot be understated. These procedures can set your pet up for life-long health and prevent shelters from becoming overrun with unwanted pets.
In addition to preventing unwanted pregnancies, these routine surgeries help your pets live longer, healthier lives by significantly lowering the risk of certain infections and cancers. Furthermore, spaying and neutering can help reduce behavioural issues such as aggression and roaming.
We take precautions to ensure a safe and successful procedure. These include pre-operative blood work as well as pain relief and monitoring during and after surgery. We will do everything possible to keep your dog or cat comfortable and pain-free from start to finish.
The Reality of Animal Shelters in Canada
The Canadian Humane Society and SPCA take in thousands of cats and dogs every year. This number does not include dogs and cats taken in by private rescue agencies across the country.
One of the primary benefits of spaying and neutering is, for many people, reducing the number of unwanted dogs and cats filling Canadian shelter. But it can also prevent medical and behavioural problems from developing, allowing your pet to lead a healthier and happier life.
The Benefits of Spay & Neuter Procedures
Having your dog or cat spayed or neutered not only protects their health and well-being, but it can also make them more manageable. Learn more about the benefits:
Neutering (Males)
Neutering is a surgical procedure that removes the testicles from male cats and dogs, preventing them from fathering litters.
Cats: Neutering your cat can help to reduce unwanted behaviours such as spraying, roaming, and aggression toward other cats.
Dogs: Neutering your dog may help to reduce aggression, 'humping,' and attempts to escape your home or yard.
Spaying (Females)
Spaying is the surgical removal of a female cat or dog's reproductive organs. This operation keeps your cat or dog from becoming pregnant.
Cats: Spaying your cat may help prevent her from trying to escape, roaming, yowling and urinating outside the litter box.
Dogs: Spaying your dog prevents pyometra (womb infection) and mammary tumours by ending their heat cycle.
When to Spay or Neuter Your Cat or Dog
Nobody knows your cat or dog's health like their veterinarian. Although we provide general spay and neuter guidelines below, it is always best to seek advice from your veterinarian.
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Cats
You can spay or neuter a kitten as young as six to eight weeks of age, but the standard is to spay or neuter when the cat is between five and six months old. While we do recommend getting your cat spayed or neutered as soon as possible, a healthy adult cat can be spayed or neutered at any age.
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Dogs
We recommend that puppies get spayed or neutered at around six months of age. Some veterinarians have concluded that it is better to wait until the dog reaches sexual maturity before performing these reproductive surgeries. Speak to your veterinarian to determine the best time to have your dog spayed or neutered.
Spaying & Neutering FAQs
Please read through the answers to these frequently asked questions about spay and neuter procedures from our clients.
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How long will it take for my dog or cat to recover from surgery?
Spay and neuter procedures are typically day surgeries. This means that you will drop your dog or cat off to us in the morning at a pre-arranged time, then pick them up once our veterinarians have decided that your dog or cat is sufficiently recovered and ready to head home. In some rare cases, it may be necessary to keep a pet overnight following spay and neuter surgeries.
When you come to our hospital to pick up your companion following surgery, we will be sure to provide you with detailed instructions for at-home care.
Your pet's activity will need to be restricted for approximately 10 days, and a protective collar may need to be worn by your pet to prevent them from licking the incision.
Your veterinarian may also request that you bring your dog or cat in for a follow-up appointment.
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Will my dog or cat feel anything during the procedure?
No, your furry friend will be under general anesthesia and will not feel anything during the procedure.
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Will my pet gain weight after the procedure?
Your puppy or kitten will continue to grow to their full adult weight after the spay or neuter procedure, and this naturally includes some weight gain.
However, your dog or cat will not gain weight as a result of being spayed or neutered.
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How much will it cost to get my cat or dog spayed or neutered?
The cost of your dog or cat's spay or neuter surgery depends on a wide variety of factors, including their size and overall health. To get an accurate estimate of the cost of your pet's spay or neuter procedure, contact our Calgary veterinary hospital today.