A spay is the surgical removal of a female pet's ovaries and usually the uterus. It prevents unplanned litters and heat cycles, and greatly lowers the risk of uterine infection and mammary tumors.
Spays are done under general anesthesia with monitoring and pain control. We'll talk with you about the best age to spay your pet and how to care for them at home afterward.
What to Expect on Your Pet's Spay Day
Your vet will usually ask you to withhold food the night before surgery and will give you clear drop-off instructions. On the day of the procedure, your pet gets a physical exam, and your vet may recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork to make sure your pet is a good candidate for anesthesia.
- Your pet is placed under general anesthesia and monitored throughout surgery.
- Pain medication is given before, during and after the procedure.
- The incision is closed, often with stitches under the skin.
- Our team watches your pet closely as they wake up.
- Most pets go home the same day with written aftercare instructions.
Because a spay is an abdominal surgery, recovery takes a little more care than a neuter.
Caring for Your Pet at Home After a Spay
Your pet may be sleepy the first evening home. Offer a small meal and water, and give them a quiet, warm place to rest away from other pets and busy areas. Keep your pet calm for the period your vet recommends, often around 10 to 14 days. That means no running, jumping, stairs where possible, rough play or baths.
Check the incision once or twice a day. Mild redness at first is normal, but call us if you see swelling, discharge, bleeding or a gap in the incision, or if your pet vomits, stops eating or seems very tired. A cone or recovery suit prevents licking, which is a common cause of infection. Give medication exactly as prescribed, and keep any recheck appointment your vet schedules.
Questions about Spays?
Call us or book an appointment online, and our team will help you decide on the next step for your pet.
Spays: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best age to spay my dog or cat?
How long does it take a pet to recover from a spay?
Can my pet be spayed while in heat?
Is it safe to spay an older pet?
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