Spaying a female dog, also known as an ovariohysterectomy, is a common surgical procedure that plays a key role in her long-term health and well-being. It helps prevent serious diseases and limits unwanted pregnancies. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the main benefits, the ideal timing, the surgery itself, and what to expect afterward.

Why Should You Spay Your Dog?

There are several important reasons to consider spaying your female dog:

• Prevent serious diseases: Spaying significantly reduces the risk of life-threatening conditions such as pyometra (uterine infection) and certain types of tumors.
• Control animal overpopulation: It helps avoid unwanted litters and reduces the number of abandoned pets.
• Reduce roaming behaviors: Spayed females are less likely to escape in search of a mate.
• Avoid complications during birth: Spaying eliminates the risks associated with pregnancy and the need for cesarean sections.

What Is the Ideal Age for Spaying?

The recommended age for spaying is typically between 8 and 10 months, usually between the first and second heat cycle. This timing helps strike a balance between two risks:

• Too early: May increase the risk of urinary incontinence and affect bone growth in large breeds.
• Too late: Significantly raises the chance of developing mammary tumors (up to 26% after the second heat cycle).

What Are the Costs of Spaying a Female Dog?

The cost can vary depending on the clinic and the dog’s size, but generally includes:

Standard fees:

• Surgery
• General anesthesia
• Anesthesia monitoring
• Basic post-operative medication

Optional or additional fees:

• Pre-operative blood tests
• IV catheter with or without fluids
• Use of surgical laser
• Additional pain relief medications

Why Is Pre-Anesthetic Blood Testing Important?

Blood work before surgery helps:

• Check liver and kidney function, which are critical for processing anesthesia.
• Identify hidden conditions that may increase anesthetic risks.

Benefits of Laser Surgery

When available, laser surgery offers several advantages over traditional scalpel incisions:

• Less pain: Thanks to the laser’s ability to seal nerve endings.
• Less bleeding and swelling: The surgical site remains cleaner and heals faster.
• Lower risk of infection: The laser’s antimicrobial effect helps prevent post-op complications.

What to Expect During the Surgery

Before surgery:

• Heart and overall health assessment
• Pre-medication with a sedative, muscle relaxant, and pain reliever
• Placement of an IV catheter and tracheal intubation for anesthesia and oxygen delivery

During surgery:

• Continuous monitoring of vital signs (heart rate, oxygen levels)
• Adjustments to anesthesia and IV fluids as needed
• Use of a heating mat to maintain body temperature

After surgery:

• Close monitoring until your dog fully wakes up
• Additional warming if necessary (incubator or dryer)
• Removal of the breathing tube when she begins to swallow
• Final check of vitals and surgical site before discharge

Is Spaying Painful?

Our top priority is to manage your dog’s pain effectively:

• Morphine-based injections before and after surgery
• Laser surgery (when applicable) to reduce discomfort
• Anti-inflammatory medication administered at the clinic and continued at home
• Local anesthetic applied directly to the incision site

How Spaying Age Impacts Health

• Early spaying may affect long bone growth and increase the risk of urinary incontinence, especially in large breeds.
• The risk of mammary tumors is close to zero if spayed before the first heat but increases to 26% after the second heat.

Conclusion

Spaying a female dog is a safe and beneficial procedure that promotes her long-term health and helps manage the pet population. By choosing a trusted veterinary clinic and timing the surgery appropriately, you give your dog the best chance at a healthy, happy life. For more information or to schedule a procedure, contact your veterinarian today.