About Spay/Neuter Surgery Increase your puppy's odds of good
health with this important procedure. Female dogs are spayed by
removing their reproductive organs, and male dogs are neutered
by removing their testicles. The spay surgery, or
ovariohysterectomy, as your veterinarian may refer to it, is the
most commonly performed surgery on companion animals in the
United States. Removal of the testicles (neutering) is the most
common form of sterilization in male dogs in the United States.
In both cases, the operation is performed while your pup is
anesthetized. The vast majority of dogs recover quickly, with no
complications from anesthesia or surgery. You'll need to
withhold food and water the night before the surgery. This helps
prevent vomiting and aspiration while the dog is anesthetized.
Your veterinarian will alert you to anything else you need to do
or know about before the surgery. Don't be afraid to ask
questions beforehand. A good veterinarian is happy to address
any concerns you might have, and you'll