Feline Neuter:

Can be performed any time after 4 months of age. Around 6-7 months of age, undesirable behaviors like spraying can develop.

Feline Spay:

Can be performed any time after 4 months of age. Cats can go into heat as early as 6-7 months and can get pregnant if exposed to an intact male cat.  If a cat goes into heat it does increase their risk of mammary tumors (breast cancer) later in life which is why we recommend spaying before that heat cycle.

Canine Neuter:

Small (adult weight 1-25 Lbs) and medium (adult weight 26-50 Lbs) sized dogs: Neutering can be performed as soon as adult canine teeth have erupted, around 6-7 months of age. Around 8-9 months, puppies can develop undesirable behaviors like marking, humping and territorial aggression, and should be neutered to curb those behaviors if they are present.  Waiting until these dogs are 12 months of age is also reasonable if behavioral issues are not developing.

Large dogs (adult weight >50 Lbs) or athletic/working dogs: There is likely an orthopedic benefit to waiting until large or athletic dogs are skeletally mature before neutering. The age of this depends on the size of the dog, but we recommend neutering at 12-18 months of age. If undesirable behaviors like marking or humping develop, dogs should be neutered to curb these behaviors before they become a habit.

Canine Spay:

Small (adult weight 1-25 Lbs) and medium (adult weight 26-50 Lbs) sized dogs: Spay should be performed at about 6-7 months of age, before their first heat cycle to decrease the risk of pyometra (a deadly uterine infection) and developing mammary tumors (breast cancer) later in life.

Large dogs (adult weight >50 Lbs) or athletic/working dogs: For these dogs, there is likely an orthopedic benefit to waiting until 2 months after the first heat cycle, until they are skeletally mature, to spay. This will slightly increase the risk of mammary cancer (breast cancer) later in life and they will have a small risk of pyometra (deadly uterine infection). Heat cycles will involve dogs bleeding for about 2 weeks and dogs will have to be kept away from intact male dogs. Many people elect to spay their large dogs around 6-7 months so they do not have to go through a heat cycle.  If a dog goes through a heat cycle they should wait 2 months before being spayed.

Gastropexy: additional consideration for dogs:

A gastropexy is a preventive surgical procedure designed to greatly reduce the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly known as “bloat.” This life-threatening condition occurs when the stomach is filled with gas and twists. A gastropexy reduces the risk of stomach twisting by approximately 94%.

This procedure can be performed at the time of a spay or neuter. During a spay, the gastropexy is completed by extending the same abdominal incision already being made. During a neuter, a separate abdominal incision is required to perform the procedure.

Breeds at higher risk for GDV include Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Greyhounds, German Shepherds, Weimaraners, Boxers, Irish Setters, Standard Poodles, Rottweilers, and dogs expected to weigh over 100 pounds as adults. However, any breed can develop GDV. If you have questions about your dog’s individual risk, please consult your veterinarian.