Spay & Neutering Services in San Diego

Recommendations may vary based on species, breed, size and gender. It’s best to consult your veterinarian for their recommendation.

Neutering procedures are less complicated than spaying, and your newly neutered pet will usually be able to come home the same day. Some may need to stay overnight for monitoring, but either way, the typical recovery time is between seven and 14 days.

For both spaying and neutering, your pet will likely need to wear a collar or cone to prevent them from licking the surgical site, which can cause infection. You should closely monitor your pet in the days following the surgery to make sure they stay safe. after your pet’s recheck appointment, with the approval of your veterinarian, they can get back to their regularly scheduled playing, romping, cuddling, and more.

We’re happy to debunk the myth that spaying or neutering your pet will cause them to gain weight. You may notice a touch of weight gain since your pet won’t be as active immediately following their surgery, but this is only the result of a temporary lifestyle change. In general, young animals will naturally gain weight as they grow into adults, not as a result of spaying and neutering services.

For the health and safety of your dog, you’ll want to restrict all rambunctious activity until they’ve fully healed—this can be as many as 14 days after the appointments. Clear your pup’s schedule of all jumping, running, climbing stairs, tug-of-war, doggy playdates, and long walks. You’ll also want to use an Elizabethan collar (affectionately named the “cone of shame”) to prevent licking while the wounds from the spay or neuter surgery heal. Thankfully, cuddles, kisses, and careful belly rubs are still fair game.

You’ll want to keep a pretty close eye on your dog’s wellness after surgery. While they may be too drowsy and tired to get into much trouble during the first few days, you should definitely watch them carefully as they start to regain their energy. They may feel like they can run, jump, and play again, but they shouldn’t—otherwise, they risk ripping their stitches. Plan to stick close to your pet for 10–14 days after they’ve been spayed and put a stop to excess movement or any wound licking.

Spaying / neutering is a frequently practiced, relatively low-risk operation. Still, there are warning signs to watch out for in the days and weeks following surgery, including:

• Redness, swelling, or bursting at the wound
• Bleeding or excess discharge from the incision
• Behavioral signs of pain (whimpering, shaking, avoiding touch)
• Vomiting or diarrhea after 24 hours post-op
• Lasting lethargy after a few days

During the procedure, your pet will be under anesthesia and will not feel any pain. Before and after their operation, our trained veterinary staff will greet your pet, calmly welcoming them into the operating room, preparing them for surgery, and assisting with their post-op recovery.