How Much Does It Cost to Spay a Female Dog in Texas?

As a dog owner in Texas, you may have found yourself searching on Google for “How much does it cost to neuter a female dog in Texas?”

It’s a common misconception, but let’s clear things up real fast: female dogs are spayed, while male dogs are neutered.

But don’t worry; the differences can be confusing, and both procedures are crucial for pet population control and your dog’s health. So, how much does it cost to spay a female dog – and how can you ensure that you’ve chosen the best option in your area?

Let’s break down the costs of spaying a female dog in Texas, why it’s so important, and how you can access affordable spay services through the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP).

Spaying vs. Neutering: What’s The Difference?

It’s easy to confuse spaying and neutering – after all, both are trying to accomplish a similar goal. Before we look at the cost, let’s clarify the terminology:
Spaying is for female dogs. It involves removing the ovaries and usually the uterus.
Neutering is for male dogs. It involves removing the testicles, and preventing the dog from reproducing.
Both procedures prevent unwanted pregnancies and offer significant health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain cancers and extending your pet’s lifespan by 3-5 years. Plus, they can help to tone down the hormone-fueled behaviors like aggression and roaming.

The Cost of Spaying a Female Dog in Texas

The cost to spay a dog in Texas can vary widely, typically ranging from $50 to $500. Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect to pay:
Low-cost clinics: $50-$150
Humane societies: $50-$200
Private veterinarians: $200-$500
However, at TCAP, we offer even more affordable options to ensure every pet owner can access this crucial service.

TCAP’s Affordable Spay Services

At TCAP, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to responsible pet ownership. That’s why we offer some of the most competitive prices for spay services in Texas:

Dogs 2 lbs – 49 lbs: $55
Dogs 50 lbs – 79 lbs: $65

For puppies, we offer an exceptional value with our Puppy Spay/Neuter & Vaccine Wellness Package for just $150. This comprehensive package includes:

Three vaccine visits
Spay/neuter surgery
Post-surgery pain medication
A cone
A microchip
A free gift

This package must be purchased before your pet is 4 months old and used before they’re 7 months old, making it an excellent option for new puppy owners.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Spaying?

Spaying can vary depending on the age and size of your pet, as well as their overall health and any pre-existing conditions. Here are some of the factors we consider before we give you an estimate for a neuter or spay service:

Dog’s size: Larger dogs may cost more due to increased anesthesia needs.
Dog’s age: Older dogs might require additional pre-surgery tests.
Location: Prices can vary depending on where you live in Texas.
Facility type: Private vets often charge more than low-cost clinics like TCAP.
Any additional services: Some packages include extras like pain medication or post-op check-ups.

At TCAP, we’re transparent about any additional fees. For example, we offer:

24-Hour Pain Injection: $10
Pain Med Combo (injection + take-home meds): $15
E-Collar/Cone (included for males): $10
Antibiotics: $15

Why is Spaying Important?

Spaying your female dog isn’t just about preventing unwanted puppies. It also helps prevent certain health issues:
Reduces the risk of mammary tumors and uterine infections
Eliminates the mess and discomfort of heat cycles
Can lead to a longer, healthier life for your pet
Helps control the pet population in Texas
Did you know that approximately 125,000 cats and dogs are euthanized in Texas shelters every year? By spaying your female dog, you’re directly contributing to reducing this number and saving lives.

Spaying and Canine Distemper Prevention

While spaying doesn’t directly prevent canine distemper, it’s an excellent opportunity to discuss overall health with your vet.
Canine distemper is a serious viral illness that can be prevented through vaccination. At TCAP, we offer affordable vaccination packages alongside our spay services, allowing you to protect your dog against distemper and other diseases while getting her spayed.
Our wellness options include:

Rabies Vaccine: $5
Basic Full Set of Vaccines: $25
Heartworm Test: $20
Microchip w/ Surgery: $20

Preparing for Your Dog’s Spay Surgery at TCAP

Once you’ve scheduled your dog’s spay surgery at TCAP, you may be wondering how best to help them (and maybe yourself) prepare for the experience. Here’s some information that can help you prepare for the best spay or neuter service!

Drop-off is between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., and pick-up is at 3 p.m.
Your pet should not have any food or water after 10 p.m. the night before surgery.
Pets must be at least 10 weeks old but younger than 5 years old to qualify for TCAP’s sterilization program.
Your dog must weigh at least 2 lbs but not more than 79.9 lbs.
All pets must have written proof of a current rabies vaccine or receive the vaccine at the time of surgery for an additional $5.
After surgery, follow these tips for a smooth recovery:
Prepare a quiet, comfortable recovery space at home.
Use the provided Elizabethian collar (cone) to prevent licking of the surgical site.
Plan to limit your dog’s activity for 10-14 days post-surgery.
Follow all post-operative care instructions provided by TCAP staff.

TCAP Locations in Texas

We believe that spay and neuter services should be accessible to everyone. That’s why TCAP offers convenient locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area:

Allen
Arlington
Burleson
Denton
Fort Worth
Garland
Hurst
Weatherford

We also offer remote shelter spay and transport locations in Azle, Cleburne, Granbury, and Hillsboro.

Trust TCAP for Your Dog’s Spay Surgery

Spaying your female dog in Texas is a crucial decision that doesn’t have to break the bank. With TCAP’s affordable options starting from just $55, there’s a solution for every budget..
Whether you choose TCAP’s Puppy Wellness Package or a standard spay surgery, the most important thing is getting your female dog spayed. It’s a simple procedure that can have a big impact on your dog’s health and happiness, as well as the broader community of pets in Texas.
For more information on TCAP’s low-cost spay services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, or to learn about other essential health services like distemper vaccination, visit our website or contact us today. Let’s work together to keep Texas dogs healthy, happy, and to reduce pet overpopulation in our great state!

Remember, at TCAP, we believe in “Lowest Cost, Best Care.” Schedule your dog’s spay appointment today and join us in our mission to improve animal welfare in Texas, one pet at a time.

Can You Spay a Dog in Heat?

It’s easy to lose track of time when you have a dog. Getting your dog spayed might not be a priority, especially if you don’t have other dogs. You might decide to have your dog spayed and then realize they’re in heat. This situation happens more often than you might think.

When your dog is in heat, you might feel in a rush to have them spayed. This leads to a major question for dog owners. Can you spay a dog in heat? Yes, but there are things to consider. A dog in heat will have a slightly more complicated surgery and be under anesthesia for longer as a result, increasing the potential risks of complications. Most vets will spay a dog in heat as the right surgical technique and aftercare can minimize risks.

At the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection, we offer affordable spay surgeries in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. We’ve provided low-cost spay and neutering services for over 700,000 pets in North Texas. In this article, we’re exploring the topic of spaying a dog in heat, including how to care for your pet post-surgery.

How Can I Tell If My Dog Is in Heat?

The first thing to do is determine if your dog is in heat. There are several signs to look out for, including change in appetite, more aggressive behavior, excessive licking, and bloody discharge. It’s normal for a dog who isn’t spayed to be in heat, starting from as early as 6 months through to 2 years of age. When your dog enters heat will often depend on their breed.

Understanding Your Dog’s Heat Cycle

Dogs go into heat – also known as ‘season’ – twice annually. Female dogs are not fertile outside of these one or two weeks of their heat cycle. It’s impossible to accurately guess when your female dog will go through her first season. However, if you also own the dog’s mother, you may be able to predict it based on when she went into her first heat. Small dogs will often go into their first heat at a younger age, while larger dogs will go into heat closer to the 18-month mark.

The duration of time a dog stays in heat varies between breeds and dogs themselves. The average dog will be in heat for an estimated 18 days. However, some breeds can be in heat for seven to 10 days. Behavioral changes are often the easiest way to tell that your dog is in heat as they’re more likely to show aggression, have an increase in physical activity, and sow postural changes.

Most dog owners find themselves spaying a dog in heat if the dog enters heat earlier than originally expected. If you find yourself in this situation, having your dog spayed can help prevent pregnancy.

Humans and dogs have different reproductive cycles. Unlike humans, dogs don’t experience menopause and can continue to have pregnancies through to their senior years. Instead, cycles will occur less often, but a senior pregnancy can pose significant risks. Dogs over 8 years old are at a heightened risk of developing pyometra, a serious uterine infection that can be life-threatening.

Can I Have My Dog Spayed When She’s in Heat?

Most dogs can be spayed when they’re in heat. It will be up to the vet to determine whether your dog is a suitable candidate. Typically, most vets will recommend that a dog is spayed with either their ovaries or entire uterus removed before or immediately after their first cycle.

If you decide to have your dog spayed while in heat, it may be more challenging for the surgeon to locate the ovaries. One of the main complications that can arise is excessive bleeding.

However, spaying a dog in heat has become significantly more straight-forward in recent years. Veterinarians are now more prepared with surgical techniques to enable them to take extra care when working on these dogs. The surgery is usually more time-consuming as the vet will want to work slowly with extra care to avoid excessive traction.

How Dogs are Spayed While in Heat

Vets will use a different technique when spaying a dog in heat. For example, they’ll set aside more time and use more suture materials during surgery to reduce the risk of complications.

Spaying a dog when they’re in heat is considered riskier as there is an increased blood supply to the uterus. This situation may feel daunting for less experienced surgeons. Spaying a dog in heat would be considered a more complicated case as a result, as the tissue must be handled delicately to prevent accidental tearing.

However, technology has evolved, and suture materials are now more widely accessible, giving vets the confidence to perform spays on dogs in heat. Vets also have the option of laparoscopic surgery to improve visualization of the uterus and ovaries to reduce complications.

How to Care for Your Dog Post-Spay Surgery

After surgery, your dog will need 10 to 14 days to recover. It’s a time when you want to pamper your pet and give them plenty of space and peace to recover. Rest is crucial to reduce the risk of your dog damaging their internal or external stitches, preventing further complications.

There are active steps you can take to make your dog more comfortable during this time. One of the most important things to do is to stop your dog from licking their wounds. If your dog continuously tries to lick their stitches, an Elizabeth cone can help prevent this.

Ideally, you should avoid allowing your dog to walk other than when they’re going to the bathroom. Your vet may prescribe pain medication and provide directions on how to use this for your dog, depending on their weight and age. If your dog is spayed when they’re in heat, they should be separated from male dogs for at least two to three weeks after surgery.

Book an Affordable Spay Appointment for Your Dog

Spaying your dog provides extensive health benefits, reducing their risk of breast cancer and preventing uterine infection. It can also help reduce animal overpopulation and remove mating-related behavior from dogs by removing their heat cycles. Are you planning to spay your dog? Schedule an appointment or get a quote today.

Photo by Baptist Standaert on Unsplash

Why Spaying or Neutering Your Pet is a Smart Choice for Their Health

Becoming a new pet owner is an exciting experience. While you’ll be getting your new furry friend settled in your home, there are a few important decisions to make for your pet. Choosing to neuter – or spay – your pet is a decision you want to make early on. At TCAP, we recommend spaying or neutering for all household pets to help with population control and improve your pet’s general health.

Spaying or neutering your pet allows you to play your part in preventing animal overpopulation. The ASPCA estimates that 920,000 shelter animals are euthanized annually – a drastic decline from the peak of 2.6 million in 2011. As neutering becomes a more common part of responsible pet ownership, it’s also bringing a range of other benefits for pets and their owners.

Instead of waiting until a pet has had an unwanted litter, more pet owners are choosing to spay or neuter their pets earlier. We’re sharing everything you need to know about why you should spay or neuter your pet.

Blog - Spay-Neuter

What is Spaying and Neutering?

Neutering is the term used to describe the surgical removal of a cat or dog’s reproductive organs. The term ‘spaying’ is used for the removal of a female pet’s ovaries and uterus, while the equivalent surgery for a male pet is often called ‘castration’.

Neutering your pet helps prevent animal overpopulation and has health and behavioral benefits. Choosing to neuter your pet can help reduce their risk of developing serious health conditions and improve their life expectancy.

Why You Should Spay or Neuter Your Pet

The main reason owners choose to neuter their pets is to prevent unwanted litters. Keep pets out of shelters! Spaying a female cat or dog removes its heat cycle, including the behavior associated with these hormonal changes, such as anxiety, aggression, and excessive nervousness

Neutered pets are less likely to mark territory and generally become more affectionate pets as they are less likely to exhibit behavioral problems. Neutering your pet is likely to improve their lifespan by reducing their risk of developing serious health issues, including ovarian and prostate cancer.

An estimated 6.3 million animals enter shelters annually across the United States. Operating shelters and dealing with the negative consequences of non-neutered animals, such as dog attacks or bites, are financially costly for the local community.

Choosing to spay or neuter is good for your pet, your household, and your wider community.

4 Benefits of Spaying and Neutering Pets

Preventing overpopulation is the only reason to spay or neuter your pet. It can make your journey as a pet owner more enjoyable and improve your pet’s quality of life. We’re sharing four reasons why every pet owner should consider neutering their cat or dog.

Reduces potential health problems for a longer lifespan

Spaying your female pet before her first cycle drastically reduces her potential risk for developing breast cancer and eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer. Similarly, male pets are less likely to develop hernias or perianal tumors. Neutered pets face fewer potential health problems and generally enjoy a longer lifespan.

Make your pet a better companion by eliminating problematic behavior

Your pet is your best friend. Choosing to neuter a cat or dog early in life can improve their general behavior and make them a better companion. Neutered male cats and dogs are less likely to mark territory and female pets won’t display hostile behaviors.

Removes the risk of unwanted litters

Most pet owners don’t intend to raise a litter of cats or dogs. They can be a financial and mental burden, one of the main reasons why unwanted litters often end up in shelters or abandoned. Spaying your female pets removes the risk of unwanted pregnancies.

Reduces potential accidents and improves hygiene

When a female pet is in heat, it produces body fluid, which can lead to potential accidents and stains around your home. Spaying your pets reduces potential accidents and helps improve their overall hygiene.

FAQs about Neutering Cats and Dogs

Do you have a question about spaying or neutering your pet? Use our TCAPBot or contact form.

What happens if you don’t neuter your pet?

Pets who aren’t neutered have a higher risk of contracting serious health conditions related to their reproductive organs. Female pets that aren’t spayed are more likely to develop uterine infections, which can be potentially fatal, and are at risk of unwanted pregnancies. If you don’t plan on responsibly breeding your pet, it’s always best to neuter or spay.

What is the best age to neuter a cat?

Most pets will be neutered at around four months old, although there’s no set timeframe for when your cat must be neutered. Vets typically recommend that your pet receive all their primary vaccinations before the surgery. Older pets, so long as they’re healthy, can still be neutered.

Do pets become friendlier and calmer after neutering?

Most pets will become calmer after being neutered, including male dogs. They are less likely to present hostile behaviors and will become better companion animals.

How much is it to get a female dog spayed?

The average cost of spaying a dog ranges from $50 to $500. Check out our in-depth guide on the cost of having a female dog spayed. At TPAC, our puppy spay/neuter and vaccine wellness package costs $150 and includes spay surgery, 3 vaccine visits, post-surgery pain medication, cone, microchip, and a free gift.

Post-Neutering Aftercare for Pets

Your vet will provide specific aftercare advice to help your pet following their neutering or spaying surgery. Here are some of our top tips for post-neutering aftercare:

Monitor your pet in the days after their surgery, including checking their stitches regularly. Your vet will typically book a follow-up appointment.
Follow the vet’s advice if they’ve prescribed any medication for your pet post-surgery.
A cone can help prevent your pet from licking or irritating their surgical wound while still being able to eat as normal.
Give your pet plenty of space and allow them to rest for a few days, including preventing them from jumping on furniture.

Affordable Neutering Services in North Texas

At TCAP, we strive to make neutering and spaying services affordable and accessible to tackle animal overpopulation. We offer low-cost spays, neuters, and vaccinations throughout the North Texas region. Check out our spay and neutering locations and appointment options to book your affordable neutering service.