Spaying & Neutering

Benefits For Cats

There are 6 key benefits of spaying or neutering your cat:

1. It curbs undesirable behaviours, like spraying to mark territory.
2. Neutered cats are less likely to roam away from home.
3. You may find that your cat is generally more affectionate.
4. It greatly lowers the risk of your cat contracting certain diseases.
5. It decreases the risk of uterine infection in female cats.
6. It may decrease the risk of your cat developing mammary (breast) cancer.

Benefits For Dogs

There are 5 key benefits of spaying or neutering your dog:

1. It lowers the risk of prostate and other cancers occurring in your dog.
2. Your dog may be less likely to have marking and spraying issues.
3. It stabilizes the mood and general behaviour of the dog.
4. It may be able to reduce the mating urge.
5. It can reduce sexualized behaviours.

Spaying & Neutering FAQs

• Why should I get my cat spayed or neutered?

  Population Control

  According to Humane Canada, there were approximately 59,000 cats admitted to animal shelters in Canada in 2020.

  The only sure way to help reduce the number of unwanted cats in Millbrook area shelters is to have your cat spayed or neutered as early as possible.

  Protect Wildlife

  In Canada, cats are estimated to kill between 100 and 350 million birds per year. By helping to keep the number of homeless cats to a minimum, you help to save the lives of countless birds and other wildlife.

  Cat Neutering Benefits

  By having your male cat neutered you can help to lower the odds of experiencing undesirable cat behaviours such as spraying indoors and around your house to mark territory, roaming, howling, and fighting with other undoctored male cats. Decreasing the chance of cat fights can also lower their risk of injury, and of contracting Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline leukemia virus (FeLV).

  Cat Spaying Benefits

  Having your female cat spayed before their first heat cycle can play a large role in helping to reduce your cat's risk of developing pyometra (infection of the womb) and mammary tumours. You should also be aware that your female cat has the ability to transmit any disease it is carrying along to its unborn kittens, who may then go on to spread the disease even further. The pregnancy and the birth process can be risky for young cats, and costly to their owners. 

• Why should I get my dog spayed or neutered?

  Population Control

  According to Humane Canada, There were 20,239 dogs admitted to animal shelters in Canada in 2020.

  Spaying or neutering your dog is the best way for you to help reduce the overall number of unplanned puppies each year while improving your pet's behaviour and reducing their risk of a variety of health conditions that could have severe complications.

  Dog Spaying Benefits

  Female dog spaying can help to prevent serious health problems such as pyometra, (a potentially life-threatening uterine infection), and mammary cancer.

  Dog Neutering Benefits

  Male dog neutering helps to prevent your pet from developing testicular cancer and can also help reduce unwanted behaviours such as dog aggression, straying and humping. 

• When should I have my pet spayed? What age?

  Your veterinarian will know your pet and their needs best to determine the best age to spay or neuter your cat or dog. Some research indicates there may be long-term health benefits to spaying or neutering dogs after they have passed through puberty. 

  The consensus for female pets is to have them spayed before their first heat, which can occur as early as 5 months of age. However, there is increasing evidence that this is too young as the animals have not been allowed to fully develop and grow.

• What should I know about the recovery process for my pet?

  Spaying

  How long your pet stays in the care of the animal hospital after surgery will vary depending on the clinic itself. The rule of thumb is generally 7-10 days of restricted activity.  

  Neutering 

  If there are no complications or other health issues, your dog or cat can usually go home on the same day of the procedure, with activity restricted for a few days while the incision heals.

  Regardless of if your pet has a spay or neuter procedure they will most likely be required to wear a protective collar to ensure that they are unable to lick the incision.

  We typically book a follow-up visit to check on how well your pet has healed and to remove the stitches.

• Will my pet feel anything during the procedure?

  No, your pet will be under general anesthesia, and will not feel anything during the procedure.

• 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 growing will almost always include some natural weight gain.

  However, your pet will not gain weight as a result of being spayed or neutered.