Hospital Hours: Monday-Friday: 8am-6pm | Saturday: 8am-4pm
(519) 896-0532
Every week at Kingsdale Animal Hospital, we talk to pet owners in Kitchener who aren't sure when to book this surgery or what it actually involves. This is expected. We want you to feel confident going in.
Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures that remove your pet's reproductive organs. Both are done under general anesthesia and are considered routine surgeries.
It's one of the most common procedures we do at Kingsdale Animal Hospital, and we want you to feel confident going in. Here's exactly what each procedure involves.
Spay
For female dogs & cats
We remove the ovaries and uterus through a small incision in the abdomen. Performed under general anesthesia with continuous monitoring throughout.
Neuter
For male dogs & cats
We remove both testicles through a small incision near the scrotum. Performed under general anesthesia with continuous monitoring throughout.
We offer laser spay and neuter surgery as an alternative to traditional scalpel surgery. A surgical laser replaces the scalpel for the incision and tissue cutting.
It seals nerve endings and blood vessels as it works, which means less bleeding during the procedure, less pain in recovery, and reduced risk of post-operative swelling.
Most people know spaying and neutering prevent unwanted pregnancies. But the health benefits are just as important.
We generally recommend spaying or neutering around 5 to 6 months of age, before the first heat cycle in females.
For larger and giant breeds, we might recommend waiting until 12 to 18 months, but this isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, as there are a variety of factors.
If you've adopted an adult pet and aren't sure if they've been fixed, we can check during a physical exam.
Cats
We generally recommend spaying or neutering around 5 to 6 months of age, before the first heat cycle in females.
Small & Medium Dogs
Small and medium breeds can typically be spayed or neutered at 6 months.
Large & Giant Dogs
For larger and giant breeds, we might recommend waiting until 12 to 18 months, depending on a variety of factors. Considering having a prophylactic gastropexy performed at the same time to prevent GDV.
Your pet will need to fast the night before. We'll give you specific instructions when you book.
We perform a pre-anesthetic physical exam the morning of surgery.
We recommend pre-surgical bloodwork, especially for older pets, to check organ function before anesthesia. This is optional, but something we'll discuss with you.
We also offer laser surgery for spay and neuter procedures if you'd like to discuss that option.
Your pet is monitored throughout the entire procedure by a registered veterinary technician.
We track heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and temperature.
We do not leave your pet unattended while under anesthesia.
Pets go home the same day with discharge instructions and any needed medications.
For dogs: Restrict activity for 10 to 14 days. No running, jumping, or rough play.
For cats: Keep them calm and indoors. Most bounce back within a few days.
Check the incision daily for redness, swelling, or discharge.
If we recommend an e-collar (cone) or recovery suit, please use them as directed. We know pets hate them, but it is in their best interest!
Will my dog's personality change after being neutered?
Your dog's core personality stays the same. Some hormonally driven behaviours like roaming, marking, and mounting often decrease. They won't become less playful or affectionate.
Will spaying make my dog gain weight?
Hormonal changes after spaying can slow metabolism slightly. Adjusting food portions and keeping up with regular exercise prevents weight gain. We're happy to talk through nutrition and weight management.
Is it safe? What are the risks?
No surgery is 100% without risk, but spay and neuter are among the safest procedures we perform. Pre-surgical exams and bloodwork, proper anesthetic monitoring, and post-op pain management all reduce risk significantly.
My dog is already 3 years old. Is it too late?
No. Adult and senior pets can be spayed or neutered safely. We perform a pre-surgical exam and bloodwork beforehand to confirm your pet is a safe candidate for anesthesia.
When is the best time to spay or neuter my cat?
We generally recommend around 5 to 6 months of age, before the first heat cycle in females. Spaying before the first heat significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumours later in life.
What is the difference between a regular and laser spay or neuter?
In a laser procedure, a CO2 surgical laser replaces the traditional scalpel for the incision and tissue cutting. The laser seals nerve endings and blood vessels as it cuts, resulting in less bleeding, less post-operative pain, and typically a faster recovery. Both approaches are safe and effective.
Call our Kitchener clinic or book online. We'll walk you through everything and make sure you feel confident before the day of surgery.
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