Urgent Care Now Open! Starting January T-Th 5-9 PM
OPEN MONDAY – FRIDAY 5:00pm to 9:00PM
Choosing to spay your pet is one of the most meaningful health decisions you can make for her. Beyond preventing unplanned litters, spaying provides significant medical benefits that can extend your pet’s life and protect her from serious conditions that become increasingly common with age. It is a routine procedure performed by veterinarians every day, but the positive impact it has on your pet’s long-term health and well-being is anything but ordinary.
Venetian Pet Hospital performs safe, compassionate spaying procedures for dogs and cats throughout Stockton, CA. Our surgical team prioritizes your pet’s comfort and safety from pre-operative preparation through recovery, so you can feel confident knowing she is in experienced hands every step of the way.
Our dedicated team is here to provide urgent, high-quality care for your pets—because they’re family and deserve immediate attention when it matters most!
Spaying, also known as an ovariohysterectomy, involves the surgical removal of a female pet’s ovaries and uterus. This procedure eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers entirely and significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumors, which are malignant in roughly 50% of dogs and 90% of cats. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, spaying before the first heat cycle offers the best protection against these conditions, though the procedure provides health benefits at any age.
Spaying also prevents pyometra, a life-threatening uterine infection that is common in unspayed older pets. Pyometra often requires emergency surgery and intensive care, and it can be fatal if not treated promptly. By spaying your pet, you remove the possibility of this dangerous condition entirely and eliminate the heat cycle, which can cause behavioral changes, vocalization, and discharge that many pet owners find stressful.
Before surgery, our team performs a thorough physical exam and may recommend pre-anesthetic blood work to confirm your pet’s organs are functioning well and she is healthy enough for anesthesia. We review your pet’s complete medical history, discuss any medications she takes, and address every question you have about the process so you feel fully informed and comfortable.
The procedure itself is performed under general anesthesia with continuous patient monitoring to track heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, respiratory rate, and body temperature throughout the entire surgery. Our veterinarians use careful surgical techniques designed to minimize tissue disruption, reduce bleeding, and promote faster healing.
Most pets go home the same day or the following day after surgery. We provide detailed aftercare instructions that cover activity restrictions, incision monitoring, pain management medications, and signs to watch for that might indicate a complication. Our team is available to answer your questions during the recovery period, and we schedule a follow-up visit to check the incision site and make sure everything is healing as expected. Most pets return to their normal energy levels within ten to fourteen days.
The ideal timing for spaying depends on your pet’s species, breed, and size. For most cats and small-to-medium dogs, spaying can be performed as early as four to six months of age. Larger breed dogs may benefit from waiting slightly longer to allow for proper skeletal and joint development. Our veterinarians discuss the best timing for your individual pet during their wellness exam and provide a recommendation based on the most current veterinary research. Regardless of when the procedure is performed, the health benefits of spaying are significant at any age.
Spaying your pet also contributes to reducing the number of homeless animals in shelters across the Stockton area and throughout California. Millions of unwanted dogs and cats enter shelters every year, and many never find permanent homes. Spaying is one of the most responsible steps pet owners can take to help address this issue. When you choose to spay your pet, you are making a difference that extends well beyond your own household and into the broader community.
In the days leading up to your pet’s spay surgery, there are a few simple steps you can take to help the process go smoothly. Follow our team’s instructions regarding fasting before surgery, which typically means no food after midnight the evening before the procedure. Make sure your pet has a quiet, comfortable space at home for recovery, and plan to limit her activity for the recommended period. Having everything prepared in advance makes the experience less stressful for both you and your pet.
Venetian Pet Hospital is a family-owned practice in Stockton, CA, with a surgical team experienced in soft tissue procedures and a commitment to gentle, thorough care. Dr. Sam Varon has particular experience in surgery and reproduction, and our entire staff works to make sure your pet’s surgical experience is as smooth, safe, and comfortable as possible. We understand that trusting someone with your pet’s care is a big decision, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Contact our office to schedule your pet’s spay consultation.
Hit enter to search or ESC to close
