Canine spay

Who qualifies

Dogs must be at least 12 weeks old and weigh at least 3 pounds. We cannot spay dogs with a history of heart murmur or seizures — we do not stock seizure medications, and we do not have the monitoring required for murmur patients during a spay.

What we recommend

• Pre-anesthetic bloodwork before anesthesia for every patient.
• An IV catheter with fluids, which is required for some dogs.
• An e-collar if your dog is likely to lick the incision.

Canine spays include anti-inflammatory pain medication. Additional sedation-level pain control can be added for an extra charge.

While she is under anesthesia

We ask permission in advance to check for an umbilical hernia and retained baby teeth and to treat them if found, for an additional charge. Once surgery is underway we cannot pause to call for approval, since that would extend anesthesia time.

If she is in heat or pregnant

Both add cost and risk. Surgery during heat can increase bleeding, lengthen anesthesia, and may require a longer incision. If your dog is over 80 pounds, or is a Husky of any size, please call to reschedule if you see signs of heat. The doctor may decline surgery if a pregnancy is too far along, or may require an IV catheter with fluids.

Breed notes

Doberman Pinschers

We do not offer spays for Dobermans.

Great Danes

We can spay Great Danes, but we require a $75 coagulation panel and a signed high-risk waiver. We do not offer gastropexy, the preventive procedure some veterinarians recommend against bloat.

Pugs and French Bulldogs

Brachycephalic breeds carry a higher anesthetic risk. We can perform surgery here with a high-risk waiver, a required IV catheter, and IV fluids. Families who want full-mouth x-rays under anesthesia should consider a clinic that offers them.