Spay and Neutering for Pets

Spaying and neutering are operations that prevent your pet from breeding. Neutering removes the testicles in males and is commonly referred to as having your pet “fixed.” Spaying is the female equivalent surgery and it removes the ovaries and uterus. Fredericton Animal Hospital is one of the few clinics in Canada offering laparoscopic spays. With this procedure, female patients experience 65% less pain and recover much faster as it is less invasive.

If your goal is to prevent your pet from reproducing, it is recommended that they receive the surgery before the age of 6 months. 6 months is around the time that pets begin the heat cycle where they seek out other pets to reproduce.

Yes! Although prior to 6 months is the ideal age to spay or neuter pets, it is possible for them to have the surgery if they are older. At our hospital we will perform tests as we do for all procedures to ensure your older pet is healthy and can undergo the surgery.

Spaying and neutering are mainly known for preventing unwanted litters. There are other benefits to having your pet spayed or neutered, here are a few:

1. Prevents breast and prostate cancer as well as uterine infections. Many pets who weren’t spayed or neutered later developed these illnesses.
2. Reduces the stray population by preventing unwanted litters. Irresponsible breeding contributes to attack from stray animals and overburdened animal shelters.
3. Lessens the development of bad behaviours in your pet. Spayed or neutered pets are more affectionate and make better companions. A male pet that hasn’t been neutered is more likely to bite, hump, attack or spray furniture inside the home. Female pets who haven’t been spayed may roam or stray in order to procreate.
4. Other procedures can be performed simultaneously when your pet is being spayed or neutered.