Is It Too Late to Spay or Neuter Your Pet?
Many pet owners assume that spaying or neutering is only for young animals — but that’s not always true. At Pawsh Veterinary Clinic in Maize, KS, we see pets of all ages, and we’re often asked the same question:
“Is it too late to spay or neuter my dog or cat?”
The short answer is: usually, no! While the procedure is ideally done when young, there are definitely benefits when it’s performed later in life.
Why Spaying or Neutering Matters
Spaying (for females) and neutering (for males) offer significant health and behavioral benefits. These include:
Preventing certain cancers, like mammary or testicular tumors
Reducing hormone-related behaviors, such as marking, roaming, and aggression
Preventing unwanted litters, helping reduce pet overpopulation
Minimizing infections, such as pyometra — a life-threatening uterine infection in unspayed females. Emergency pyometra surgery can cost $2000+
Even if your pet is older, these benefits still apply — and in some cases, they can be lifesaving.
When Is “Too Late”?
The ideal age for spaying and neutering is typically:
Dogs: 6–12 months, depending on breed and size
Cats: 4–6 months
However, older pets can still safely undergo the procedure — as long as they’re healthy enough for anesthesia. Old age by itself is not a disease, and shouldn’t disqualify them from a procedure. Before surgery, Pawsh performs pre-anesthetic bloodwork and a thorough physical exam to make sure your pet’s organs are functioning properly.
If your dog or cat has underlying conditions (like heart disease, diabetes, or kidney issues), we’ll tailor a plan for anesthesia and pain management that minimizes risk.
When It Might Not Be Recommended
There are a few cases where your veterinarian may recommend waiting or not performing surgery:
If your pet has a high anesthetic risk or uncontrolled chronic disease
If the pet is near the end of life and the risks outweigh the benefits
If your pet is already spayed or neutered from a prior procedure (common in rescues)
That’s why we always begin with bloodwork and a thorough pre-surgical evaluation to make the safest recommendation.
Why Trust Pawsh for Surgery in Maize & Wichita
At Pawsh Veterinary Clinic, we use advanced monitoring equipment, individualized anesthesia, and high-quality pain management protocols to keep your pet comfortable and safe.
We proudly serve Maize, Wichita, and surrounding Kansas communities, offering both preventive and surgical care tailored to every age and lifestyle.
Sources:
https://www.aaha.org/resources/spay-or-neuter/
https://www.chewy.com/education/dog/health-and-wellness/all-about-spay-and-neuter-in-senior-dogs