How Long Does It Take to Spay a Dog? Vet-Approved Info
By Misty Layne
Updated on
If you have a female puppy, you’ll likely have her spayed soon. You might have questions about the process (particularly if you’re a first-time puppy owner), like how long spaying takes. Unlike neutering, which can be done in a few minutes, spaying takes a bit longer—anywhere between 20 and 90 minutes.
Why does spaying take so much longer? A female’s reproductive system is more delicate than a male’s, and spaying requires removing organs via the abdominal wall, so it’s a more intricate surgery.
You might also be wondering about the right age to have your dog spayed and the risks and benefits of the surgery. Below, you’ll find all the basics of spaying covered, so read on!
At What Age Should My Dog Be Spayed?
Ideally, it’s best to have your dog spayed when they’re at least 6 months of age (and likely older than that for large breeds). Research has shown that having dogs spayed before the age of 6 months may increase the risk of some cancers. However, each case is different, and it’s best to talk to your vet about the best age for your pup to be spayed.
Spaying or neutering is only one of many vet procedures your pets may need over the course of their lives. All of those vet visits can be pricey, but you can manage the cost with the help of a good pet insurance plan. The customized options from Spot may help you keep your pet healthy at a reasonable price.
Benefits of Spaying
Spaying prevents you from becoming a grandparent to a litter of puppies, but there are other benefits as well. These include:
- Not contributing to overpopulation
- Reducing the risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers
- Reducing the risk of pyometra
- Reducing the risk of endocrine disorders (such as diabetes)
- Getting rid of heat cycles and behaviors associated with them
Risks of Spaying
Overall, there aren’t too many risks in having your dog spayed (especially if they are younger ), so you’ll likely find the benefits are worth it. Some of the risks include:
- Issues with anesthesia (more likely in older dogs or those with underlying medical conditions)
- Hemorrhage
- Pain after surgery
- Re-opening of the surgical incision
- Infection or inflammation of incision site
The chances of these occurring are pretty low, and some can be avoided by keeping your pet from licking excessively at the incision site. But talk to your vet about any concerns about the spaying process before it happens.
Conclusion
Having your dog spayed isn’t a long process, and it typically takes 90 minutes to complete at most. Recovery will be what takes the longest time, but keeping your dog away from the incision site and calm in the days following surgery will allow them to heal more quickly.
When it comes to the age you should have your pup spayed, it’s best to talk to your vet since there are various opinions on what age is best. Ideally, your pet should be at least 6 months old.
Although there are a few risks associated with spaying, the chances of them happening are relatively low. Still, talk to your vet about any worries you have about the process. They can explain in detail how they’ll perform the procedure and which safety measures will be taken. Overall, most dogs are perfectly fine (though sore) after being spayed!
See Also:
- How Long Does it Take For Dog Stitches to Dissolve?
- Can My Dog Eat or Drink Before Getting Spayed or Neutered?
Featured Image Credit: aspen rock, Shutterstock
