Spaying your pet: the benefits, risks and costs

Thinking about getting a puppy or kitten? Or maybe you’ve just welcomed a new furry friend into your life? If so, you might be wondering whether you should get them spayed. It’s a big decision, and the cost of surgery can feel overwhelming, but spaying comes with some great benefits – like improving your pet’s health, extending their lifespan, and even helping with certain behaviours.

At the same time, it’s natural to question whether the surgery is necessary or worth it for your pet. To make things easier, we’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions about spaying.

What is spaying?
What are the benefits of spaying?
How can spaying help with health issues?
What are the risks of spaying?
When’s the right time to get your pet spayed?
How much does spaying cost?
Does spaying affect pet insurance?

What is spaying?

Spaying is the term used for females, while neutering usually refers to males.

It’s a simple surgery where a vet removes your pet’s ovaries and uterus to prevent her from having puppies or kittens. The procedure is done under general anaesthesia and is super common and safe for female dogs and cats.

What are the benefits of spaying?

Spaying your pet comes with so many great benefits for their health, behaviour, and overall happiness. Here’s why it can be a smart choice:

• No more accidental pregnancies, which means fewer animals in shelters and more control over the pet population.
• It can lower the chances of serious issues like uterine infections (pyometra) and breast cancer, especially if done before their first heat. These can be expensive to treat and even life-threatening.
• Spaying can help with behaviours like territorial marking, roaming, and those mood swings that come with heat cycles- leaving you with a calmer, more relaxed pet.
• Plus, pets that are spayed tend to live longer, healthier lives since they face fewer risks of reproductive cancers and infections.

How can spaying help with health issues?

Spaying can do a lot to keep your pet healthy. For female pets, it reduces the risk of uterine infections (like pyometra) and breast cancer, especially if it’s done before their first heat. Plus, no reproductive organs mean no chance of ovarian cancer. Overall, spaying helps your pet live a healthier life and avoids serious, expensive, and even life-threatening conditions down the road.

What are the risks of spaying?

Like any surgery, spaying does come with some risks, but it’s generally very safe when done by a licensed vet.

The risks, like reactions to anaesthesia, infection, bleeding, or medication issues, are rare thanks to modern techniques and advances in veterinary care. Spaying is a routine procedure, and the benefits – like preventing certain diseases and avoiding unwanted litters – usually outweigh the risks. Your vet will walk you through the process and talk about any specific concerns for your pet so you can make an informed decision.

When’s the right time to get your pet spayed?

When should you spay your dog?

The best time to spay your dog depends on factors such as their size, breed, and overall health.

For smaller breeds, spaying is typically recommended around 6 months of age, often before their first heat cycle, as they tend to mature faster. In contrast, larger breeds may benefit from waiting until they are 9 to 12 months old, as they need more time to fully develop.

Deciding whether to spay your dog before or after her first heat is a tricky topic that people often debate. Some studies suggest letting your dog go through one heat cycle might help with physical maturity and could lower the chances of issues like urinary incontinence or joint problems, especially in bigger breeds. That said, there’s no clear scientific answer, and even the experts don’t all agree on what’s best.

When should you spay your cat?

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) recommend neutering pet cats at around 16 weeks of age. However, some shelters and rescue organizations may spay kittens as early as 8 weeks to prevent unwanted litters.

The feline charity, Cats Protection, also agree that the ideal time to spay a kitten is from 16 weeks. This not only helps prevent unplanned pregnancies but also reduces the risk of certain health issues later in life.

Because every pet is different, it’s important to talk to your vet. They’ll offer advice based on your pet’s size, breed, and individual needs, helping you make an informed decision.

How much does spaying cost?

The cost of spaying can vary significantly based on factors like your location, the type and size of your pet (larger dogs often cost more due to requiring more anaesthetic and longer surgeries), and the vet clinic you choose.

Fortunately, low-cost spay clinics like Animal Trust, animal shelters, and charities like the PDSA often provide discounted services to eligible pet owners to make spaying more affordable.

Animal Trust usually charges £186 to spay cats and small pets like rabbits, and £310 for dogs. Visit their website for the most up to date prices.

It’s always a good idea to call around to compare vet prices and check with your local council, as some areas offer community schemes to assist with spaying costs.

Does spaying affect pet insurance?

Spaying your pet isn’t usually required to get pet insurance, but many insurers encourage it by offering lower premiums or extra perks for spayed pets.

Why? Because spayed pets tend to have fewer health risks, which means fewer claims. However, keep in mind that some policies might not cover certain reproductive health issues if your pet hasn’t been spayed. It’s always a good idea to check the fine print on your policy and talk to your insurer to make sure your pet has the right cover.