Spaying & Neutering
Keeping the Cat & Dog Population Healthy & Protected
Neutering is a surgical procedure where the testicles are removed from male pets. Spaying removes a female pet's reproductive organs. These surgeries prevent your male cat or dog from fathering offspring or your female cat or dog from becoming pregnant.
The importance of spaying and neutering your cats and dogs cannot be understated. These surgical procedures prevent shelters from becoming overrun with unwanted dogs and cats. Pets who are spayed or neutered are also less likely to develop certain cancers, and they may not exhibit undesirable behaviours such as spraying or aggression.
When to Spay or Neuter Your Cat or Dog
No one understands your pet's health better than your veterinarian. Although we provide general spay and neuter age guidelines below, it is always best to consult your veterinarian.
Cats: We recommend spaying or neutering cats at six months of age. This allows them to get to their relative adult size and make sure they can safely metabolize anesthetic agents.
Dogs: Puppies can be spayed or neutered safely at six months of age or older. That said, a number of veterinarians have concluded that for some breeds it is better to wait until the dog reaches 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
To learn more about spay and neuter procedures at our hospital, please read through the answers to these frequently asked questions from our clients.
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How long will it take for my pet to recover from surgery?
Spay and neuter procedures are typically day surgeries, allowing pets to return home in the evening following their procedure.
You will need to restrict your companion's activity for about 10 to 14 days, and a protective collar or surgical recovery suit 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 pet feel anything during the procedure?
No. Your pet will be under general anesthesia, and will not feel anything while the procedure is taking place.
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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.
Dogs and cats do not gain weight as a direct result of being spayed or neutered.
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How much will it cost to get my pet fixed?
The cost of your pet's spay or neuter surgery depends on a wide variety of factors, including the size of your pet and their overall state of health. To get an accurate estimate of the cost of your pet's reproductive surgery contact Lady Hammond Animal Hospital today.
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Will my pet need to stay in the hospital overnight?
At Lady Hammond Animal Hospital these procedures are generally considered to be day surgeries. This means that you will drop your pet off to us in the morning at a pre-arranged time then pick them up once our veterinarians have decided that your pet is sufficiently recovered and ready to head home.
If your pet requires overnight care, we will have them transferred to Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital where their staff is available 24/7 for patient monitoring.
New Patients Welcome
Lady Hammond Animal Hospital is accepting new patients from across the Halifax Regional Municipality! We'd love to welcome you and your cat or dog into our veterinary family. Get in touch to book your companion's first appointment.