Key points
- The average price to spay a female dog in the UK is £170 for a traditional ovariohysterectomy, £350 for a keyhole spay, and £1,000 for a pyometra spay.
- In the US, it costs between $50–$500 to spay a dog. The price depends on your location and the veterinary service you choose.
- The price of spaying surgery includes the cost of anesthesia, surgical procedure, and consultation. Extra expenses might include blood tests and additional appointments.
- Spaying your dog has many health benefits; for instance, it can help prevent different types of cancer, womb disease, and many infections. It can also reduce unwanted behaviors.
Neutering and spaying are common procedures that can help prevent dogs from developing many dangerous health conditions. These surgeries are the best way to control the pet population as well as generally help your dog with its well-being and increase his life expectancy. However, these procedures are not cheap, and there are many factors that contribute to the price. Generally speaking, spaying a female dog is more expensive than castrating a male one since the surgery is more intrusive and requires more aftercare.
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A Cost Of Spaying A Dog
In the UK
In the UK, the general cost of spaying a dog is between £170 to £1,000. It costs around £150 to neuter a male dog. The final price depends on your dog’s size and your location. The average price for spaying a dog using the keyhole spay procedure is between £170 and £350.
If you have an older dog who has developed an infection of the womb (pyometra) and needs an emergency spay, then the operation can cost about £1,000.
In the US
In the USA, the average cost to spay a dog is between $50–500, and the price depends on where you live and what vet you choose. Public clinics offer the cheapest service, while private pet clinics charge around $400 for this procedure. However, if your dog is suffering from underlying health issues, the price of spaying can be as high as $600. In addition, extra pain medication costs approximately $10-30 and if your dog is pregnant, the price will increase by $50-150.
What Is Neutering Or Spaying?
Spaying is a common term for ovariohysterectomy. This surgery involves completely removing the dog’s ovaries and uterus, which makes it completely sterile. The procedure takes no more than one hour.
A keyhole spay is a more modern procedure that is less intrusive than traditional ovariohysterectomy. The surgery is performed through three small incisions, therefore, your dog will need less time to recover. The vet will use these incisions to place an endoscope into the abdomen and then use a special surgical device to remove the ovaries.
Neutering a male dog is the process of surgically removing its testicles. The vet will make an incision near the dog’s scrotum and remove the testicles. Sometimes, the vet will close the incision with stitches.
What Is Included In The Price Of A Spay?
The price for spaying your dog can vary depending on where you live, your dog’s size, and the veterinarian you choose. Before the surgery, your vet will examine the pet for underlying health conditions and possibly run blood tests. The vet will put your pet under anesthesia during the surgery, so make sure you find out what drugs will be used and how the procedure will be handled in advance. A member of the vet’s staff will likely be with your dog until the pet wakes up from the surgery.
If you choose to go with a cheaper clinic, make sure to find out what is included in the price of the procedure. Usually, it simply covers the surgery, so consider booking an appointment with your vet after the surgery right away.
If your dog has a health condition that will make the procedure more complicated, or if your dog is larger, heavier, or older, it could add $100 to $200 to the total cost of the procedure. Every surgery is different, and the price may vary as well. You should talk to your vet before the surgery to find out the total cost. You can also consider different clinics, as they may offer a selection of payment plans.
Best Time To Spay A Dog
Vets recommend neutering your dog between the ages of 6 and 9 months, as most dogs reach puberty by that time. It’s best for a dog to reach puberty before it’s sterilized since it minimizes the pet’s chance of developing certain behaviors, such as noise phobia after the surgery. Female dogs usually go into their first heat when they reach six months of age, so it’s best to spay them before that first heat. It really depends on the breed and the circumstances, as some puppies brought to shelters are neutered at 2 months of age.
Why Should I Spay My Dog?
Spaying is the most common birth control method for dogs, and it really helps to keep the puppy population under control. It also has many health benefits for dogs, including the prevention of uterine infections, different types of cancer, and mammary tumors. Your dog might even become less moody, as seasonal changes won’t influence it as much. Therefore, spaying will reduce unwanted behaviors such as humping, roaming, vocalization, and aggression. In general, neutering a dog increases its life expectancy and improves the pet’s well-being.
Here are some other conditions that can be treated with spaying:
- Phantom pregnancy
- Irregular or abnormal menstrual cycles due to ovarian cysts
- Diabetes
- Difficulty breathing (dystocia)
- Post-cesarean-section surgery
- Uterine infection (pyometra)
- Cancer
Pet Insurance
Most insurance companies won’t cover the surgery itself, but they might cover all the expenses after the procedure. Also, many pet insurance companies charge a lower premium for neutered pets since they are less prone to many illnesses.
What Happens After The Surgery
After being spayed, your dog may feel dizzy and tired, so prepare a place for it to lie down. Your vet is likely to prescribe medications that will help with recovery. Keep in mind that you will need to limit food after anesthesia, but you can start offering your dog a small amount of water an hour or so after the surgery. Don’t pressure your dog to exercise for 10 days or more after the procedure, and try not to bathe it to allow stitches to heal properly. Regularly check and examine the stitches and if you ever see that they are swollen, red, or bleeding, contact your vet. Avoid going to dog parks until your pet’s stitches are fully healed. Don’t put your dogs on a leash during walks for about 10-14 days after the surgery.
FAQ
What is the best age to spay a female dog?
The best age to spay a female dog is between 6-9 months of age.
Will spaying calm a female dog?
Yes, but it doesn’t ensure that the behavioral issues will go away completely.
Can you spay a dog when they are in heat?
No, it’s not a good idea to spay a dog in heat because the pet’s blood doesn’t clot well during this period, and this can make the procedure more complicated.
How much does it cost to get a female dog spayed?
On average, the price of spaying is around £130 to £365 in the UK and $50 to $500 in the US.
At what age is it too late to spay a dog?
It’s never late to spay a dog.
When should a female dog be spayed in the UK?
It’s better to spay a dog when it reaches 4 months of age.
