Spaying & Neutering Your Dog: What You Should Know
We believe spaying or neutering is one of the most important choices you can make for your dog’s long-term health, comfort, and behavior. At Whittington Veterinary Clinic, we approach these procedures with the same care and precision we would for our own pets. Whether you’ve just welcomed a puppy or adopted an adult dog, we’re here to walk you through everything from timing to recovery.
What’s the Difference?
Spaying is the surgical removal of a female dog’s uterus and ovaries (ovariohysterectomy).
Neutering refers to the surgical removal of a male dog’s testicles (castration).
Both procedures result in sterilization and prevent unwanted pregnancies, while also providing additional health benefits.
Why Spay or Neuter Your Dog?
Health Benefits:
- Females: Spaying reduces the risk of mammary tumors and completely prevents uterine infections (pyometra), which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Males: Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces prostate enlargement and related urinary issues.
Behavioral Benefits:
- Helps reduce urine marking and territorial behavior
- Decreases roaming, escape attempts, and mating-driven aggression
- May help reduce certain dominance or frustration-based behaviors
When Should My Dog Be Spayed or Neutered?
For most dogs, we recommend spaying or neutering between 6 and 12 months of age. However, we tailor this recommendation based on your pet’s breed, size, and overall development:
- Small breeds often benefit from earlier sterilization
- Large and giant breeds may benefit from waiting until 12–24 months to support bone and joint health
We’ll discuss the best timing during your dog’s puppy visits and work with you to make the safest decision.
What to Expect on Surgery Day
Your dog will be dropped off at 7:00 a.m. and will spend the day with us under the attentive care of our medical team. Please allow 15–20 minutes at drop-off to complete paperwork and speak with your pet’s surgery nurse. We want to ensure you feel fully informed, have all your questions answered, and leave confident in the care your pet will receive.
Here’s what we include in our comprehensive surgical protocol:
- Pre-anesthetic bloodwork to screen organ function and ensure safe anesthesia (optional)
- IV catheter placement for administering fluids and medications during surgery
- Endotracheal intubation to secure your dog’s airway and safely deliver anesthetic gases
- Careful monitoring of heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and temperature throughout the entire procedure. To learn more about anesthesia in dogs: Click Here
- A thorough nail trim while your dog is under anesthesia, ensuring comfort without the stress
- Laser therapy is applied to the incision site to speed up healing and support a smoother recovery. To learn more about laser therapy: Click Here
- If you opt in, we’ll send you text updates throughout the day, so you’re never out of the loop. And of course, you can always call us directly for a real-time update on how your dog is doing.
- Suture removal 10 to 14 days after surgery if applicable
- A follow-up phone call the next business day from your surgery nurse to check on your pet.
Recovery & At-Home Care
Most dogs recover well within 2 to 3 weeks, though the first 10 to 14 days are the most important for rest and healing.
What You’ll Need to Do at Home:
- Limit activity: No running, jumping, or playing until cleared
- Keep the incision clean and dry—monitor daily for redness, swelling, or discharge
- Prevent licking by using a cone (e-collar) or surgical recovery suit
- Confine your dog to a small, safe space like a bathroom or laundry room
- We may send home oral sedatives for high-energy dogs to help with activity restriction
Important: Let us know right away if your dog appears uncomfortable, lethargic beyond the expected 24-hour window, or shows signs of irritation at the surgical site.
Why Choose Whittington Veterinary Clinic?
Because your pet deserves more than the basics.
At Whittington Veterinary Clinic, we take every precaution to ensure your pet’s safety, comfort, and well-being during surgery. From the moment they arrive, they’re cared for like one of our own—with close monitoring, gentle handling, and constant attention.
We include what others often leave out:
- IV catheter, fluids, and oxygen support
- Full anesthesia monitoring from start to finish
- Pain control before, during, and after surgery
- A clean, fully equipped surgical environment
- Text updates and caring communication throughout the day
We don’t believe in shortcuts—just the best care, every step of the way.
We take pride in offering safe, thorough surgical care and open communication throughout your dog’s spay or neuter experience. If you’re ready to schedule or have questions about what’s best for your pet, we’d be honored to help, please call us at (337) 893-8522.