Grandview Animal Hospital loves pets! We want to give our best effort in helping control pet overpopulation so that no pet is stuck in a shelter and every animal gets a loving home. Have you just adopted a pet or rescued a kitten or a puppy? Reducing the number of births helps bring us toward the goal of having enough homes for all pets. Our expert veterinary staff offers safe spay and neuter surgeries for pets as part of our many veterinary services. We serve pets from the South Surrey, Newton, Delta, White Rock, Cloverdale, and Langley Township area. Make an appointment for your pet today with one of our experienced and compassionate veterinarians. In order to alleviate some of the concerns you may have about the procedure, below are a few of the common questions we run into about this topic.
Will this make my pet less playful?
No. Sometimes no behavioral change at all is noted, but in some cases, males may mark their territory or ‘spray’ less frequently. Your pet’s personality should not change other than typical natural changes during the progression of age.
Is this surgery very invasive?
For a male, not as much; the testicles are removed, which is not as invasive. For a female, it is technically considered invasive as the ovaries are removed, but it is still a low-risk and fairly simple procedure.
What can I do to ensure my pet leaves their stitched incision alone to heal?
You can prevent your pet from licking his or her surgical incision by placing an Elizabethan collar around its neck. Licking and grooming the incision may cause infection, so you should keep an eye on it as it heals to be sure your pet is leaving it alone. If you see redness, swelling, or pus at the incision site, bring your pet to the veterinarian.
What if the stitches come out too early?
If something happens that tears the stitches out before the incision has finished healing, bring your pet to the veterinarian to be sure the healing process is still going as expected. Safe is better than sorry when it comes to avoiding infections.
What post-op care should I give my pet at home?
Our veterinary staff will instruct you as to the amount of time your pet should be kept calm and quiet. Give them a separate room where they won’t be tempted by toys or playmates, and refill their water bowl quite often since they will likely be dehydrated after the surgery. Encourage your pet to lie down and rest as he or she recovers, especially if your pet still acts woozy. If you see any vomiting, contact your veterinarian.
What is the minimum age this surgery can be performed?
Spay and neuter surgery should ideally be performed before puberty. It can be done as early as eight weeks, however, veterinarians usually want to see the animal weigh at least 2 pounds prior to surgery.
Will my pet get additional pain medicine to help heal after surgery?
Yes. General anesthesia will prevent pain during the procedure, and they will receive additional medication afterward to continue to help with pain as they heal.
Your Local Veterinarian Can Provide More Info
If your pet hasn’t already had it done and if you’re in the South Surrey, Newton, Delta, White Rock, Cloverdale, or Langley Township area, bring your pet in for either a spay or neuter procedure. Call (604) 385-3662 to make your appointment with Grandview Animal Hospital for all of your veterinary care needs.