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Spaying or neutering your dog or cat: age and aftercare

When it's recommended by species and size, how to prepare and how to care for your pet in the days after. This guide doesn't replace your vet: your vet decides the timing.

Reviewed by Paola De Valeri, veterinarian, October 17, 2026.

A mixed-breed female dog wearing a clear cone rests calmly in her bed with a soft blanket
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At what age it's recommended

  • Small and medium dogs: usually between 6 and 9 months; females often before their first heat.
  • Large and giant dogs: sometimes it's better to wait until they finish growing, between 12 and 18 months.
  • Adults: they can be spayed or neutered at any age after a checkup.

These are references. Your vet decides based on your pet's breed, size, health and lifestyle.

Why spay or neuter

  • It prevents unwanted litters: there are thousands of dogs and cats on the street.
  • In females it prevents pyometra (a serious uterine infection) and lowers breast cancer risk if done early.
  • In males it reduces marking, fights and escaping to look for females, and helps prevent prostate problems such as cysts or an enlarged prostate.

Before surgery

  1. 1. Checkup and tests. The vet examines it and, especially if it's an adult, may ask for blood tests.
  2. 2. Fasting. Follow the food and water fasting hours they give you: they vary with age.
  3. 3. Prepare its spot at home. A clean bed in a quiet place, at floor level, away from stairs and tall furniture.

Care after surgery

  • A cone (e-collar) or recovery suit at all times, so it doesn't lick or pull out the stitches.
  • Rest for 10 to 14 days: no running, jumping, stairs or baths.
  • Check the wound once a day: it should look clean and dry.
  • Give only the medicine your vet prescribed, never human medicine.
  • Take your pet to the follow-up and stitch removal when they tell you.

Call the vet if…

  • The wound bleeds, oozes, smells bad or has opened.
  • It's very lethargic, vomits or won't eat after the first day.
  • Its belly is very swollen or very painful.

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Frequently asked questions

At what age should a dog be spayed or neutered?
Usually between 6 and 9 months for small and medium breeds, and sometimes later for large breeds. Your vet decides the best time for your dog.
At what age should a cat be spayed or neutered?
Your vet will tell you the right age based on its development and health. It can be male or female, and it can also be spayed or neutered as an adult.
What care does my dog need after being spayed?
A cone, rest for 10 to 14 days, checking the wound daily and only the medicine your vet prescribed. Call if the wound bleeds, oozes or opens.
How long does recovery take after spaying or neutering?
Most are lively within a day or two, but the wound takes 10 to 14 days to close. Until then it needs rest and the cone.

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