FAQs about heat cycles and spaying found here.

What does it mean to go in heat?

This means your female pet is ready to mate and on the look out for mates. This phase usually comes before ovulation i.e. when the ovaries discharge eggs.

What are the signs of being in heat?

The signs differ slightly for cats and dogs, but what you should be looking for is behaviour that deviates from your pet's norm:

When will my pet’s first heat cycle start?

On average, the first heat cycle can happen between 6 months to 1 year old for both dogs and cats. But this can vary depending on breed. For instance, larger dog breeds can experience their first heat cycle after 1 year old.

That said, it can also occur as early as 4 months old. It's hard to believe but your puppy or kitten can be ready to mate at such a young age.

The 'when' matters because many pet owners are encouraged to spay their pets before they experience their first heat cycle for obvious benefits such as:

• Reduced risk of developing mammary tumours

• Eliminates risk of developing ovarian and uterine cancers and/or diseases

• Prevents risk of unwanted pregnancies

"Generally, we recommend spaying your puppy or kitten from 6 months old onwards. But the recommended age is on a case-by-case basis. Your pet may be suitable for a spay at a younger age." - Dr Claire Tan, Chief Veterinary Surgeon, Gaia Vets

Why is it more expensive to spay my pet when she is in heat?

When your pet is in heat, the vessels that supply blood to her ovaries and uterus tend to swell. The tissues around these reproductive organs also tend to tear more easily than normal. This can cause more bleeding then usual during surgery which poses some additional risk. That said, spaying in heat is still a relatively safe and routine procedure for healthy pets.

All these factors mean the procedure will tend to take longer and more supplies such as gauzes and sutures may be necessary. The medication prescribed post-surgery will also be a little different compared to a regular spay. All these add up to higher costs if you opt to spay your pet when she is in heat.

My pet got her heat cycle, how long should I wait before I can book a spay?

We recommend waiting at least 1 month from the end of your pet's heat cycle.

• For cats, a heat cycle can last between 7 to 14 days.

• For dogs, depending on their breed, a heat cycle can last for a few days to 20 days.

In the meantime, what should I take note of while waiting for the spay appointment?

If your pet is in heat and you have decided to wait it out, there are a few things you should do to prevent unwanted pregnancies:

• Make sure your pet does not sneak out of the house to mate

• Watch your pet closely during walks and activities especially when other pets are close by

• If you have a litter of puppies or kittens, be sure to separate them or neuter the males early as prevention

Can you spay pregnant pets?

Yes, this can be done but we do not recommend to wait till pregnancy. It will be best if you can plan ahead and spay your pet early.

Spaying pregnant pets means terminating the pregnancy. Depending on the stage of pregnancy your pet is in, and your vet will be able to advise if your pet is safe to be spayed. Similar to spaying your pet while she is in heat, the costs of the procedure will be higher.

What should I look out for post-surgery after a spay?

If your pet was spayed while she is still in her heat cycle, you need to make sure she does not get close to any males. She can still attract male dogs during this period and any mating may cause considerable trauma to her surgery wounds.

Otherwise, spaying is quite a routine procedure. You simply need to follow your vet's instructions for post-surgery care and medication.

We hope this article answers some of your burning questions. As usual, aside from giving you free tips on your pet's health care, our team at Gaia Vets are always ready to help. Book a consult with us today!