At Mt. McKinley Animal Hospital, we are committed to providing safe and compassionate spay and neuter procedures to help control pet overpopulation while ensuring the health and well-being of your pet. These routine procedures offer significant medical and behavioral benefits, helping your furry companion lead a healthier life.
Our Surgical Services & Facilities
Our hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a highly trained veterinary team to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort. Our surgical services include:
- Fully trained veterinary and technical staff to ensure safe, efficient procedures
- Heated surgery tables for greater comfort
- Advanced sterilization techniques
- ECG, capnograph, and oxygen saturation monitors
- Intensive after-surgery care and full pre-anesthetic blood testing
- Fluid therapy for optimal recovery
Spaying (For Female Pets)
Spaying, also known as an ovariohysterectomy, involves removing the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes to prevent reproduction and eliminate health risks associated with the reproductive system.
Benefits of Spaying
- Prevents unwanted pregnancies
- Eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine tumors
- Reduces the likelihood of uterine infections
Spay Procedure FAQs
What is the earliest my dog can be spayed?
While puppies can be spayed as early as 8 weeks old in most cases, this is not typically recommended. The decision should be based on your puppy’s lifestyle, size, breed, and overall health.
When do you recommend a dog to be spayed?
The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) recommends spaying dogs between 5 and 15 months of age. The optimal timing depends on your dog’s breed, size, lifestyle, and risk of certain diseases.
When should I spay my dog if it’s already gone into heat?
Heat cycles typically occur every 7 months. We usually recommend waiting 4-5 months after a heat cycle for the uterus to return to normal size before surgery. However, spaying is possible while a dog is in heat, though it may involve longer surgery time and additional costs.
What is the earliest my cat can be spayed?
Kittens should be at least 2 pounds before being spayed.
When do you recommend a cat to be spayed?
The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) recommends spaying cats at around 5 months of age, before they usually experience their first heat cycle.
When should I spay my cat if it’s gone into heat?
Cats typically go into heat seasonally, starting in the spring and continuing through fall. If your cat is in heat, spay surgery can still be performed.
Is it safe to spay older pets?
Yes, spaying older pets can be safe, but their overall health is the key factor in determining whether they are a good candidate for surgery. As pets age, they may develop health conditions that can increase the risks associated with anesthesia and surgery. A comprehensive pre-surgical exam, including bloodwork, is essential to ensure your pet is fit for the procedure.
Will spaying my dog/cat change her personality?
No. While it may reduce unwanted behaviors, it will not change the pet’s core personality.
Neutering (For Male Pets)
Neutering, or castration, involves removing the testicles to prevent reproduction and reduce certain behavioral and health risks.
Benefits of Neutering
- Prevents unwanted reproduction
- Reduces aggressive behavior and dominant tendencies
- Decreases roaming and spraying (territory marking)
- Eliminates the risk of testicular and prostate tumors
Neuter Procedure FAQs
What is the earliest my dog can be neutered?
While male puppies can be neutered as early as 8 weeks old, we generally do not recommend this. The timing should be based on your puppy’s size, breed, lifestyle, and overall health.
When do you recommend a dog to be neutered?
The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) recommends neutering dogs between 5 and 15 months of age. The ideal timing depends on your dog’s breed, size, lifestyle, and risk factors for certain diseases.
What is the earliest my cat can be neutered?
Kittens must be at least two pounds before being neutered.
When do you recommend a cat to be neutered?
The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) recommends neutering cats around 5 months of age.
Is it safe to neuter older pets?
Yes, neutering older pets is generally safe, but their overall health plays a key role in determining suitability for surgery. As pets age, they may develop health issues that can make anesthesia and surgery riskier. A thorough pre-surgical exam, including bloodwork, is important to assess their fitness for the procedure.
What Does Spaying & Neutering Look Like at Mt. McKinley?
Two-Step Process
- Pre-Surgical Exam: We start with a comprehensive health assessment and bloodwork to ensure your pet is in optimal condition for surgery.
- Surgery: Once cleared for surgery, we’ll work with you to find the best time for the procedure, tailored to your pet’s needs and your schedule. You’ll drop your pet off at a pre-determined time. We will prep your pet and take them into surgery. Once the surgery is complete, we will text or call to communicate how everything went and determine a pick-up time.
Why Choose Mt. McKinley Animal Hospital?
At Mt. McKinley Animal Hospital, we go beyond the basics to provide a safe, compassionate, and personalized surgical experience. If you are considering a spay or neuter procedure for your pet, contact us today at 907-452-6104 to schedule a pre-surgical exam and bloodwork.
Let’s work together to ensure a healthier future for your pet while supporting the fight against animal overpopulation.
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What's Next
Call us or schedule an appointment online.
Meet with a doctor for an initial exam.
Put a plan together for your pet.
