Glossary

Spay

Surgery that removes a female dog's ovaries, and usually the uterus, to prevent pregnancy and heat cycles and eliminate the risk of pyometra.

Also called: spaying, ovariohysterectomy, OHE, ovariectomy, neutering a female dog, sterilizing a female dog

Spaying is a surgical sterilization of a female dog under general anesthesia. The vet removes the ovaries, and often the uterus too, which is called an ovariohysterectomy. A dog then no longer comes into heat, cannot become pregnant and cannot develop a uterine infection called pyometra. Older studies link spaying, especially before the first heat cycles, to fewer mammary tumors, but later reviews rate that evidence as weak.

Timing is now a decision. Research shows that, for some large and giant breeds, doing it early may raise the risk of joint problems or certain cancers, while waiting has its own risks, including unplanned litters. Practices differ, and the best time depends on breed, size and lifestyle.

Recovery takes about two weeks, with limited activity and stitches or glue checked by the clinic. Discuss the timing with your veterinarian.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Neuter Surgery that removes a male dog's testicles, preventing breeding and some health problems and sometimes changing certain behaviors. Pyometra A life-threatening bacterial infection of the uterus in unspayed female dogs, usually in the weeks after a heat cycle, and a surgical emergency. Anesthesia A medically induced, controlled loss of consciousness for surgery, dental cleaning or imaging, with monitoring throughout. Wellness exam A routine, nose-to-tail check-up of a healthy dog that updates vaccines, screens for hidden problems and tracks weight over time.