Are there modern, less invasive spaying options for my cat or dog?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! In the US, spaying means removal of the ovaries and/or uterus which is an abdominal (belly) surgery. We do use an injection to put them under anesthesia. In your country there may be an injection that can sterilize her or prevent her from going in to heat (like birth control). I would ask your Vet to clarify if they are recommending a surgical procedure or medical management to prevent kittens. I hope this helps!

Thank you contacting Pet Coach about Sophie! An ovariohysterectomy means her uterus, both ovaries, and uterine horns were removed. Veterinarians are able to perform spays using much smaller incisions, which is why hers is so small. You don't need a large incision to spay a dog. Each dog reacts differently to the procedure, and some are more active than others. It's very important that you keep her as quiet as possible to ensure correct healing and avoid post-surgical complications like wound breakdown or a sermoa. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Most veterinarians do not like performing a spay surgery when the previous heat cycle occurred within the last 30-40 days. It sounds like that is not likely to be the case. The reason for this is become the uterus and ovaries tend to be much more difficult to handle and vulnerable to tearing during surgical removal. The speed of the surgical procedure is largely dependent upon the surgical approach, the tools available, and the skill of the surgeon. I have seen spays done in 5-10 minutes while I have seen some doctors take an hour and a half. Hope this helps.

The vast majority of vets in practice (as opposed to working in government or industry) are perfectly competent to spay and neuter dogs and cats. Some vets prefer not to do surgery, or have physical limitations that prevent them from doing it. More complicated surgeries often are better left to a board certified veterinary surgeon, but routine spays and neuters are something all vets were trained in. I hope that’s helpful! Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

The only way to spay a cat is with surgery. They are working on non-surgical sterilization options for cats but right now those are only available for dogs. Your best option is to contact a vet in your area and ask about the procedure. The rate of infection after spay surgery is very low but if that is a concern of yours you can ask the veterinarian to dispense some antibiotics that you can give Lovely after the procedure as a preventive.

Only Petco stores with a new Thrive veterinary hospital inside them will be able to do spaying. I'm not sure if there is one in your area. Your less expensive option is to have it done at the Humane Society or your local spay/neuter clinic. ( https://www.dakinhumane.org/ )

Hello. I can understand your anxiety, & there are some studies to suggest that some breeds are better off being neutered after a year or so of age, but for the most part, there is no danger & there is no greater likelihood of advanced disease in these animals. I always remind people that many women need to have hysterectomies for various medical reasons, & while the vast majority of these surgeries happen after puberty, there is no known significant increase in cancer, Alzheimer's, endocrine disease, etc. in these women. You will be hard-pressed to find any veterinarian who has been in practice longer than 20 years who will say there has been an uptick in medical problems in neutered animals. Pets are living longer & healthier lives because of this, & while we are still not making a huge dent in the pet overpopulation program & the number of puppies & kittens euthanized each year, we are trying. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.