Q: Won’t my pet get fat and lazy if I spay her?
A: The spaying operation does not contribute to obesity in dogs or cats at all. If you watch her diet and give her plenty of opportunity for exercise, you shouldn’t have a problem.
Q: At what age can I have my pet spayed?
A: The doctor recommends spaying your female at 5 months of age. Before we can do the surgery, she must be current on her vaccinations and test negative for worms and heartworm.
Q: Will my female still come into heat after spaying?
A: No. The spaying operation will eliminate heat cycles.
Q: Will she be able to get pregnant after spaying?
A: No. The spaying operation removes the ovaries and uterus. Therefore she will be infertile and won’t be able to get pregnant.
Q: How soon after my dog/cat has puppies/kittens do you recommend that she be spayed?
A: As soon as the puppies or kittens are weaned and the mother’s milk has dried up, she can be spayed.
Q: Why should I have my pet spayed?
A: Spaying is the best form of pet population control. In addition, it eliminates messy heat cycles and prevents unwanted litters. Other important reasons to spay your pet are that spaying lowers the chance of breast cancer later in life and eliminates the chance of pyometra, a life-threatening uterine infection.
Q: How often does a female dog go into heat?
A: Female dogs usually go into heat twice a year.
Q: How long does a female dog stay in heat?
A: The heat cycle usually takes about three weeks to complete.
Q: How often does a female cat come in heat?
A: Cats come into heat seasonally. They cycle at approximately 21-day intervals during the spring, summer, and fall.
Q: When can I first breed my female dog?
A: For a planned breeding, we recommend you wait until the second or third heat cycle.
Q: How long does a female dog stay pregnant?
A: The gestation period for a female dog is about 62 to 63 days.
Q: How long does a female cat stay pregnant?
A: The gestation period for a female cat can be from 59 to 68 days but is usually about 63 days.
Q: How soon does a cat come back in heat after she’s had a litter of kittens?
A: Cats can sometimes come back into heat while nursing a litter, so it’s important to keep them away from male cats until they can be spayed.
Q: If my registered female dog is bred by a stray dog, will this affect her future litters?
A: No, each litter is separate and there is no carry-over between litters. However, care should always be taken to prevent unwanted puppies.
Q: How long will it take my dog (or cat) to give birth to her litter?
A: The length of time varies from animal to animal, but if your pet is in hard labour for an hour with no sign of a puppy (or kitten) being born, she may be having a problem. Call the doctor if this happens.
Q: Is it possible for a litter to have different fathers?
A: Yes, if there are five offspring, it is possible there could be five different fathers.
Q: What is false pregnancy?
A: False pregnancies occur in dogs, usually after a normal heat cycle. The dog’s hormones trick her into thinking she is pregnant when she is not. A female with a false pregnancy will often make a nest in which to have puppies, carry stuffed animals in her mouth, and even produce milk. False pregnancy can be treated during an office visit, and the doctor will explain more about it at that time.