Understanding Spaying & Neutering: 7 Most Common Questions from Pet Owners

What is Neutering / Spaying?

Spaying or neutering is a surgical procedure that removes your pet’s ability to reproduce.
While commonly known as a method for population control, sterilization also brings several health and behavioral benefits to your pet.

Top 7 Common Questions about Spaying / Neutering

1. Is it really necessary?

"I can guarantee my pet won’t breed. Do I still need to spay or neuter?"
From a veterinary perspective, the benefits of sterilization far outweigh the risks.
Even if owners are confident in preventing reproduction and providing excellent care, spaying or neutering can significantly improve your pet’s health and quality of life.

2. How does neutering improve behavior?

Sex hormones can cause behavioral problems such as:

• Marking
• Roaming
• Mounting
• Vocalizing
• Aggression

For example, neutered male cats are less likely to roam or fight, and female cats no longer go into heat.
By regulating hormone levels, sterilization helps stabilize mood and reduce anxiety, leading to a calmer, happier pet.

3. Is spaying more complicated for females?

Yes — due to anatomical differences.
Male neutering involves removing the testicles and is generally a quick procedure.
Female spaying involves removing the ovaries and uterus via abdominal surgery, which is slightly more complex and invasive.

4. Will my pet be in pain?

Your pet will be under general anesthesia during the procedure and won’t feel any pain.
Post-operative discomfort varies depending on:

• The complexity of the surgery
• Your pet’s size and health
• The vet’s technique
• Post-op care at home

Pain relief medication will be prescribed as needed. Your vet will customize a recovery plan to ensure your pet is as comfortable as possible.

5. How can I tell if the vet is “skilled”?

Many owners judge a vet’s skill by the appearance of the incision — small wound, no bleeding, no stitches to remove.
But in reality:

• Small wound ≠ faster recovery: Wound size doesn’t directly impact healing time or safety.
• Safety over appearance: Vets select incision size and suture method based on the pet’s condition to ensure a safe and stable recovery.
• Small cuts are a result, not a goal: Forcing an excessively small incision may increase surgical risk (e.g., poor visibility, incomplete vessel ligation).

When might a larger incision be needed?

• Female pets or large breeds
• Overweight animals or thick body tissues
• Anatomical challenges (e.g., deep ovaries, tight ligaments)
• Infections like pyometra (uterine inflammation)

6. Can older pets still be neutered?

Yes, even pets aged 4–8+ years can be safely spayed or neutered — especially if they’re in good health.

• Males: urgency is lower unless there are behavior or prostate issues
• Females: strongly recommended regardless of age due to higher risk of hormone-related diseases like pyometra (which can be life-threatening)

Best time to neuter?
Cats can be fertile as early as 5 months. Discuss with your vet to determine the most suitable timing for your pet.

7. Will my pet act differently after surgery?

Your pet may need special care after surgery:

• Keep the incision clean and dry
• Wear an e-collar (Elizabethan collar) to prevent licking
• Monitor recovery for 2–3 weeks (usually shorter for males)

Some temporary changes (e.g., lower appetite, sleepiness, licking the wound) are normal.
If your pet is:

• Crying excessively
• Refusing food completely
• Breathing rapidly or showing severe pain

→ Please contact your vet immediately.

Is the surgery risky?

Like all surgeries, spaying and neutering carries some risk — especially from anesthesia.
Your vet will conduct a pre-operative evaluation to minimize risks, which may include:

• Blood tests
• Heart and lung checks
• X-rays (for older pets)

Why is bloodwork important?
Anesthesia is processed by the liver and kidneys.
If these organs are compromised — even mildly — complications may occur without warning.
Bloodwork ensures your pet is fit for surgery.

Who may not be suitable for surgery?
Pets with chronic or congenital diseases (e.g., heart or kidney conditions) may have higher anesthesia risks.
Your vet will help you weigh the pros and cons.

“Will my pet feel incomplete or unhappy?”

Some owners worry sterilization may harm their pet emotionally.
But animals don’t understand gender identity the way humans do.
By removing the hormonal triggers of anxiety and stress, sterilization often improves their overall well-being — and does not affect the bond they have with you.

Trusted Surgical Care at Swanston Vet

At Swanston Veterinary Hospital, we’re equipped with professional surgical facilities and experienced vets to ensure your pet’s procedure is safe, comfortable, and effective.

📞 Phone: 2123 9206
🌐 Online Booking: https://www.swanstonvet.com/#Booking
📍 Address: Shop 9, Yuccie Square, 38 On Ning Road, Yuen Long
🕙 Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am – 8pm

‍