Van Isle Veterinary Hospital's homepage
  • CALL OUR TEAM250-334-8400

Spaying and Neutering

Spaying and neutering helps with population control, behaviour, and reduces health risks for pets.

At Van Isle Veterinary Hospital, all of our spays and neuters include a pre-anesthetic exam, pre-surgical blood work to assess your dog’s health prior to sedation, IV fluids to maintain good hydration and blood pressure while under anesthetic, a complimentary trace tattoo, nail trim and take home pain medications. Spaying or neutering your dog is essential to control unwanted pregnancies and to help reduce the overpopulation of strays in desperate need of a good home. Not only is this a responsible thing to do as a pet owner, but it may also help reduce the risks of some cancers and other potential health concerns as well as reduce unwanted behaviours.

What does neutering a dog do?

Neutering a dog has many benefits both medically, as well as behaviorally. Medical benefits can include reduced incidents of prostatic diseases and testicular cancers. Behaviourally, neutering your dog can help with unwanted marking, roaming and unwelcome social behaviours.

What does spaying a dog do?

Spaying a dog has many benefits, medically as well as behaviourally. Medical benefits include preventing unwanted pregnancies/pseudo-pregnancies, reduced incidents of cancers (i.e. mammary) as well as serious uterine infections (i.e. pyometra). Behaviourally, spaying your dog can reduce aggression between house mates and other intact female dogs.

How old should a dog be before neutering?

There are several opinions out there on the optimal age to neuter a dog. The appropriate age varies significantly depending on your dog’s breed and size. During your first puppy vaccination exam, your veterinarian will discuss the recommended age for neutering. The general consensus is the larger the breed, the longer you wait to allow proper bone development.

How old should a dog be before spaying?

While it is important to allow optimal growth, we still recommend spaying prior to their first heat. However, there may be exceptions to this rule where we may delay spaying for the benefit of the pet. It is important to start this conversation early on with your veterinarian, so you are both comfortable with your dog’s recommended age for spaying.

How much does it cost to neuter a dog?

The cost to neuter your dog can vary significantly depending on your dog’s size. It is best to call one of our lovely receptionists to obtain the most accurate quote at 250-334-8400. It is also important to know what is included in the cost of your dog’s procedure, as not all hospitals include the same services as part of their base price. All of our neuters include a pre-anesthetic exam, pre-surgical blood work to assess your dog’s health prior to sedation, IV fluids to maintain good hydration and blood pressure while under sedation, a complimentary trace tattoo, nail trim and take home pain medications. If we have not seen your pet before, this will also include a meet and greet appointment with the veterinarian.

Return to Dog Services