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What Happens During a Spay or Neuter Surgery?

What Happens During a Spay or Neuter Surgery?

Spay and Neuter

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Owners

Learn what happens before, during, and after spay or neuter surgery in dogs. Expert guide on steps, safety, recovery, and what to expect

By 

Sustainable Vet Group

Updated on

July 5, 2025

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What Is a Spay or Neuter Surgery?

Spay and neuter surgeries are routine procedures done to prevent dogs from reproducing. They also help reduce certain health risks and unwanted behaviors linked to hormones.

Spaying is the surgical removal of a female dog’s ovaries and uterus. This procedure is called an ovariohysterectomy. It stops the heat cycle and prevents pregnancy.

Neutering is the surgical removal of a male dog’s testicles. This procedure is called an orchiectomy. It prevents the dog from fathering puppies and reduces hormone-driven behaviors.

These surgeries are done under general anesthesia and are considered safe when performed by a licensed vet.

Why spay or neuter your dog?

  • Prevent unwanted litters and reduce pet overpopulation
  • Lower cancer risks, like mammary tumors in females or testicular cancer in males
  • Reduce hormone-related behaviors such as marking, roaming, or aggression

Spay and neuter surgeries not only help control the dog population but also improve your pet’s health and behavior over time.

Before the Surgery: What to Expect

Before spay or neuter surgery, your dog will go through a few safety steps. These steps help reduce the risk of problems during or after surgery.

What usually happens:

  • Fasting for 8–12 hours before surgery to prevent vomiting under anesthesia
  • Physical exam and blood work to check liver, kidneys, and overall health
  • IV catheter and fluids to support blood pressure and hydration
  • Sedation and anesthesia setup for pain-free surgery
  • Shaving and antiseptic scrub over the surgical site
  • Temperature control using a warming blanket or heating pad

The surgery is done by a licensed veterinarian, often with help from vet technicians who monitor your dog throughout the process. They use sterile tools, clean drapes, and keep a close eye on your dog’s breathing and heart.

Preparing well makes surgery safer and smoother for your dog. Your vet will give you specific instructions to follow the night before the procedure.

What Happens During a Spay Surgery (Females)

Spaying a female dog involves abdominal surgery to remove reproductive organs. It can be done as an ovariectomy (removal of ovaries only) or ovariohysterectomy (removal of ovaries and uterus).

What happens during surgery:

  • A midline incision is made on the lower belly
  • The vet uses a spay hook to gently lift the ovaries and uterus
  • Blood vessels and ligaments are tied off to prevent bleeding
  • The ovaries ± uterus are removed
  • The area is checked for bleeding or tissue damage

The vet closes the belly in three layers:

  1. Muscle layer
  2. Subcutaneous tissue (fat layer)
  3. Skin layer, which may be sealed with stitches, glue, or staples

This procedure takes longer than neutering and is more complex. However, with proper care, most female dogs recover well and show little pain after surgery.

What Happens During a Neuter Surgery (Males)

Neutering male dogs is a simpler surgery than spaying. It removes the testicles, which stops sperm production and reduces testosterone.

Steps in the procedure:

  • A small incision is made near or on the scrotum
  • The testicles are pulled out one at a time
  • The spermatic cords are tied off with sterile suture
  • Each testicle is then removed
  • The incision is closed with dissolvable stitches or glue

In some dogs, especially large breeds, a scrotal ablation (removal of the scrotum) may be done to reduce swelling.

If your dog has cryptorchidism (undescended testicle), the vet will search in the abdomen or groin area and remove the testicle from there—this surgery is longer and more complex.

Some swelling or bruising of the scrotum is normal and usually fades within a few days.

Read more about:

  • Dog Behavior Changes After Spay or Neuter
  • Common Myths and Facts About Spaying and Neutering Dogs
  • Dog Neuter Recovery Time Guide
  • Best Age to Spay or Neuter Your Dog
  • During Surgery: Monitoring and Safety

    During surgery, your dog is closely monitored to make sure they stay safe and stable. The vet team uses special tools and techniques to track your dog’s vital signs at all times.

    Monitoring includes:

    • Heart rate
    • Blood pressure
    • Oxygen levels
    • Temperature

    Sterile drapes and instruments help prevent infection. The vet team wears gloves, masks, and gowns to protect your dog during the procedure.

    Typical surgery times:

    • Neuter surgery: 5–20 minutes
    • Spay surgery: 20–90 minutes (longer in large or overweight dogs)

    Pain control is given during surgery and again as your dog starts to wake up. This keeps them comfortable and helps with healing.

    Your dog’s safety is the top priority. Modern equipment and trained veterinary teams make these surgeries low-risk for healthy pets.

    Waking Up: What Your Dog Experiences After Surgery

    After surgery, your dog will slowly wake up from anesthesia in a quiet recovery area. This process is closely monitored by the vet team.

    What to expect:

    • Grogginess and disorientation are common at first
    • Some dogs may seem clingy or confused
    • Others may be quiet and sleepy for several hours

    Most dogs stay in the clinic for a few hours after surgery until they’re fully awake. The staff checks their heart rate, breathing, and incision before sending them home.

    Your dog may be more tired than usual, but this is normal. Give them a quiet space to rest when they get home. Let them sleep and avoid excitement for the first day.

    The groggy feeling wears off within 24 hours. If your dog seems extremely weak or won’t eat or drink the next day, call your vet.

    Post-Surgery Care at Home

    Your dog needs quiet rest and close care after spay or neuter surgery. Healing takes about 10–14 days, and the first few days are the most important.

    What to do at home:

    • Use an E-collar to stop licking or chewing the incision
    • Keep your dog indoors and calm—no running, jumping, or rough play
    • Make sure the incision stays clean and dry
    • Check for redness, swelling, or discharge each day

    What to expect:

    • Mild appetite loss for 1–2 days
    • Lower energy and more sleep
    • Gradual return to normal behavior by Day 5–7
    • Stitches usually dissolve or are removed around Day 10–14

    Follow your vet’s instructions for pain medication and activity limits. Don’t bathe your dog until the incision is fully healed.

    If you notice anything unusual, call your vet right away.

    When to Call the Vet

    It’s normal for dogs to be a little sore after surgery. But some signs mean you should call your vet quickly.

    Call your vet if you notice:

    • Red, swollen, or hot incision
    • Pus or bad-smelling discharge
    • Bleeding or the wound opening up
    • Your dog licking or chewing the stitches
    • Vomiting, refusal to eat, or extreme tiredness

    These signs may point to infection or a problem with healing. Your vet may need to check the incision, give antibiotics, or adjust medications.

    Quick action can prevent serious complications. When in doubt, it’s always safer to call and ask.

    Is It a Same-Day Procedure?

    Yes, most spay and neuter surgeries are same-day procedures. Your dog goes home the same evening once they’re fully awake and stable.

    What to expect:

    • Drop-off in the morning
    • Surgery in the late morning or early afternoon
    • Pick-up usually by late afternoon or early evening

    In rare cases, your vet may recommend overnight care, especially if:

    • The dog has health issues
    • The surgery was longer or more complex
    • There’s concern about pain control or complications

    Your vet will let you know if your dog needs extra time at the clinic. But for most healthy dogs, home recovery starts the same day.

    Surgery Benefits (Brief Overview)

    Spaying or neutering your dog offers both medical and behavioral benefits. It also helps reduce the number of unwanted dogs in shelters.

    Key benefits:

    • Prevents unwanted pregnancies
    • Reduces risk of reproductive cancers (mammary, uterine, testicular)
    • Decreases behaviors like marking, roaming, and aggression
    • Eliminates heat cycles in females
    • Helps pets live longer, healthier lives

    While surgery has some risks, most are minor and easily managed. For many dogs, the long-term health benefits far outweigh the short recovery period.

    Read more about:

  • Dog Post-Spay and Neuter Recovery Care
  • Spay and Neuter Risks for Dogs
  • Dog Spay and Neuter Cost Breakdown
  • FAQs About Spay and Neuter Surgery

    Is spay or neuter surgery painful for dogs?

    No, your dog won’t feel pain during surgery because they’re under general anesthesia. After surgery, vets give pain medication to keep your dog comfortable during recovery. Most dogs feel sore for a day or two but return to normal within a week.

    How long does it take for a dog to heal after surgery?

    Healing usually takes 10 to 14 days. Most dogs act normal by Day 3 to 5, but they still need rest to allow the incision to fully heal. Avoid running, jumping, or baths during this time.

    Can my dog eat or drink before surgery?

    No. Dogs should fast for 8–12 hours before surgery. This means no food or treats, though small amounts of water may be allowed. Your vet will give you exact instructions.

    What are the risks of spay or neuter surgery?

    The risks are low but can include bleeding, infection, or bad reactions to anesthesia. Larger or older dogs may need extra monitoring. Your vet will take precautions to keep the surgery as safe as possible.

    Will my dog gain weight after being fixed?

    It’s possible. After surgery, your dog’s metabolism slows slightly. If you don’t adjust their food and exercise, they may gain weight. Keeping them active and feeding the right amount prevents this.

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