Sterilization and Castration of Dogs

Sterilization and Castration of Dogs at Haabersti Loomaklinik: Safety and Reliability for Your Pets

The veterinary clinic Haabersti Loomaklinik in Tallinn provides services for dog spay and castration. In recent years, more and more veterinarians insist on performing such procedures as part of pet health care. Sterilized and neutered dogs live longer; they are less nervous and susceptible to stress due to the absence of abrupt hormonal changes and have a lower risk of developing various dangerous diseases, including reproductive organ cancer. Therefore, sterilization and castration of dogs are becoming increasingly popular procedures. Our specialists can perform these procedures with surgical precision while preserving the health of the dog.

How is castration or sterilization performed? 

Castration or sterilization of dogs is carried out only after a preliminary examination and identification of all individual health characteristics of the pet. If the animal is at risk of developing certain diseases (e.g., cardiovascular pathologies), investigations are conducted beforehand to assess the safety of the surgical intervention in each specific case.

Despite the common misconception, the term “castration” refers exclusively to male dogs, while “sterilization” is for female dogs. However, this viewpoint is not entirely accurate. Castrating a dog means removing the reproductive organs (testes or ovaries) in males and ovaries and the uterus in females. In female dogs, the procedure may involve removing either only the ovaries or the ovaries along with the uterus (this operation is called ovariohysterectomy). The choice of intervention is determined by the veterinarian, and the removal of the uterus is often performed in the presence of certain pathologies. Castration in dogs leads to a complete loss of reproductive ability and the disappearance of sexual behavior.

On the other hand, male dog neutering involves ligating the vas deferens or the fallopian tubes in females. This procedure also prevents reproduction but does not affect the production of hormones and, consequently, sexual behavior. In other words, after sterilization, male dogs may continue marking territory, and females may still experience heat cycles.

The optimal age for castration in male dogs is 7-12 months, and for female dogs, it is 6-8 months. These time frames may vary slightly depending on the breed and the specific animal, as well as the recommendations of the attending veterinarian. However, early surgeries, particularly spaying or neutering puppies at 3 months old, are not recommended. Sterilization or castration of adult dogs is possible. It’s worth noting that spaying a female dog during her heat cycle is not recommended.

The procedure for castration depends on the sex of the animal:

• Removal of the testes in males is a relatively minor intervention, but it requires the application of self-absorbing sutures.
• Removal of the ovaries and uterus in females is a major operation since these organs are located in the abdominal cavity. An alternative is laparoscopic or endoscopic surgery, during which surgical instruments are inserted through a small incision, considered the least traumatic for the pet. Castration in female dogs is completed with sutures.

After the surgical intervention, the veterinarian provides detailed instructions for the pet’s recovery. The owner is also advised on the necessity of changing the pet’s diet because sterilization or castration alters the hormonal balance and increases the risk of weight gain in dogs.   

Sterilization and castration of dogs at Haabersti Loomaklinik

In our veterinary clinic, we perform sterilization and castration for various breeds, from small (Yorkies, Spitz, Chihuahuas, and other small breeds) to large ones (Labradors, German Shepherds, Huskies, and others).

We can perform castration on a pregnant with puppies dog if the pregnancy poses a threat to her health or occurs accidentally.

All surgical procedures are carried out in a comfortable atmosphere with maximum care for the health of the dogs. In the conditions of our Tallinn medical center, we ensure that medical anesthesia is administered correctly, and the patient is under supervision throughout the entire procedure. Our experienced veterinary team provides maximum care for your pet at all stages of the procedure.

Comfort for clients and their pets

Our center’s goal is to provide high-quality care for domestic pets at affordable prices. In Haabersti Loomaklinik, you will find a clear castration and dog sterilization cost  of services, and our friendly team of specialists is ready to answer all questions about payment procedures and the conducted procedures.

Castration or sterilization is not a simple medical procedure but rather a significant surgical intervention that helps preserve the health and well-being of the pet. If you have any questions about the clinic’s services, do not hesitate to seek advice from us. We are ready to help you make the most informed decision, choose the appropriate method, take care of your pets, and provide them with medical support throughout their entire life journey.