When should I spay my pug? Making the decision for pug spaying can be a difficult decision. However, every pet owner should realize the importance of it and what it consists of. It’s one of the easiest ways to avoid undesired pregnancy and cut her chances of cancer.
When Should I Spay My Pug?
Pugs can be spayed as soon as they reach 8 weeks of age. You should get your female dog spayed before they go into their first heat cycle. Remember, there is no such thing as neutering a female pug, neutering pertains to fixing a male pug.
We’ll talk more about spaying your pug later as well as what happens to her afterward. Read this article if you suspect your Pug is pregnant.
But first, let’s look at the two types of procedures and what they entail.
Pug Spaying What It Actually Entails
Spaying a dog removes the dog’s reproductive organs. It entails a surgical operation that entails removing both the uterus and the ovaries through an incision in the abdomen. This surgery will have to be performed under general anesthesia, by a veterinarian.
There are two ways to spay a female dog, and they are:
- Ovariohysterectomy
- Ovariectomy
The most common surgical procedure that is utilized in the United States is the ovariohysterectomy (OVE). This involves removing both the ovaries and the uterus.
In other countries, besides the United States, an ovariectomy (OVH) is the preferred method, in which only the ovaries are removed, the uterus is left in the belly.
Why The Uterus Is Removed In The United States
Veterinarians in the United States remove the uterus because this removes any complications of future diseases that can be related to the uterus. European countries have been using the ovariectomy method for decades and have not reported any increase in diseases of the uterus.
When it comes time to spay your pug, you can talk to your veterinary about which procedure is best for your dog. Make sure you talk to them before your Pug goes into heat, to avoid any health issues.
Now let’s look at the cost of this procedure.
Costs of Spaying A Female Pug
The costs will vary from city to city and where you get your dog fixed at. Here are some of the prices that I found online and when I called my local vet.
- Humane Society or Low-Cost Clinic: $45 to $135 (an uncomplicated surgery)
- Humane Society or Low-Cost Clinic: $50 to $175 (complicated surgery)
- Local Vet in Rural County where I live: starts at $125 for an uncomplicated process and $12 for pain meds the pup will require. They also require certain vaccinations, so you’ll need to ask beforehand. (I called and got the quote)
While these prices will vary, they are about the average you can expect to pay when getting your dog spayed.
Cost for Spaying A Pug In Heat
While a dog can be spayed while in heat, most of them will wait until the heat cycle has finished reducing the potential for complications.
Spaying a pug in heat will be more complicated because she is prone to more bleeding. If you find a veterinarian who does fix the dog while in heat, you can expect to pay around $25 more than the regular cost.
Cost for Spaying an Obese Pug
Spaying a dog that is obese will cost about $25 – $50 extra depending on how much complications they run into.
Cost for Spaying a Pregnant Pug
Many veterinarians will perform the procedure on a pregnant canine. The procedure will terminate the pregnancy, as it involves removing her reproductive organs.
This procedure is more complicated and can range from $175 – $300 or more. The cost will usually be around $50 – $125 dollars more than the regular cost of spaying a dog.
Finding Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs
There are several businesses like Petsmart, Petco, and veterinarian clinics that will provide you with vouchers or access to low-cost spay/neuter programs and clinics.
The prices will vary widely, even in the same city. When you discuss the prices, ask whether there are other charges or fees in addition to the spay/neuter.
Regardless of the price, the benefits outweigh the price. That’s why I’ve put together a list of all the low-cost programs by state. All you have to do is find the state you reside in and click on it.
Low Cost or Free Spay/Neuter Programs
| State | Address and Phone | Website | Type of Animal |
| Alabama | Baldwin County Humane Society Baldwin County AL 251-928-4585 | Not Provided | For all pets |
| Alaska | Alaska SPCA Spay/Neuter Clinic 549 West International Airport Road #B-2 Anchorage, AK 99518 907-562-2999 | www.alaskaspca.org | Call for information first. |
| Arizona | Animal Crusaders of Arizona, Inc. PO Box 31586 Tucson, AZ 85751 520-798-6451 | N/A | Low cost spay/neuter for low income people. |
| Arkansas | Humane Society of the Ozarks 413 N. College, Suite 7 Fayetteville, AR 72701 479-444-7387 | N/A | Call for more information |
| California | Los Angeles Animal Services Los Angeles, CA 213-485-5765 | N/A | Free spay/neuter for low-income and senior citizens of 62 years of age or older. |
| Colorado | Humane Society of Boulder Valley 2323 55th Street Boulder, CO 303-442-4030 ext 680 | N/A | Clinic available for all |
| Connecticut | Help For Pets Danbury, CT 203-792-1477 | N/A | Clinic available for all pets |
| Delaware | Delaware Humane Association 701 A Street Wilmington, DE 19801 302-571-0111 | N/A | Call for information |
| Florida | Humane Society of Greater Miami Miami FL 305-238-8322 | N/A | Call for more information and other offices |
| Georgia | Spay and Neuter Team of Atlanta Marietta, GA 678-354-7200 | www.spay-neuterteam.com | Contact during business hours |
| Hawaii | Hawaiian Humane Society 2700 Waialae Avenue Honolulu HI 96826 808-946-2187 FAX 955-6034 | www.hawaiianhumane.org | For ferals and pet cats |
| Idaho | PAWS for Life Inc Boise ID 208-343-0317 | N/A | For local residents in financial need |
| Illinois | Knox County Humane Society 1855 Windish Drive Galesburg, IL 61401 309-342-1275 | www.misslink.net/kchs | Receive a discount certificate to use at participating veterinary clinics. |
| Indiana | Spay/Neuter Assistance Program Fort Wayne, IN 219-427-1244 | N/A | Available for low income residents of Allen County. |
| Iowa | Humane Society of Scott County 2134 West River Drive Davenport, IA 52802 319-324-3960 | N/A | Call to find other offices in your area. |
| Kansas | Humane Society of Greater Kansas City Kansas City, KS 913-596-1000 | N/A | Call during business hours. |
| Kentucky | Save the Animals Foundation Lebanon KY 270-692-6833 | N/A | Call during business hours. |
| Louisiana | Spay/Neuter Intervention Program (SNIP) St. Bernard Parish Animal Shelter 115 W. Agriculture Road Chalmette, LA 70043 504-278-1535 | www.sbanimal.homestead.com | Call or visit their website |
| Maine | Humane Society-Waterville Area Waterville ME 207-873-2430 | N/A | Assistance for qualifying residents of central Maine. |
| Maryland | Montgomery County Humane Society Rockville, MD 240-773-5960 | N/A | Offers Discounts |
| Massachusetts | Neponset Valley Humane Society Norwood/Mansfield, MA 508-261-9924 | www.nvhumanesociety.org | call for the local Humane Society in your area |
| Michigan | Humane Society of Huron Valley Ann Arbor, MI 313-662-4365 | N/A | Call for the closest office in your area. |
| Minnesota | Spay, Neuter, Aid Program (SNAP) Contented Critters PO Box 385 Makinen, MN 55763 218-638-2153 | N/A | Offers low cost spay/neuter for pets. |
| Mississippi | Mississippi Animal Rescue League Jackson, MS 601-969-1631 | N/A | Must qualify for the services |
| Missouri | Central Missouri Humane Society 616 Big Bear Blvd Columbia, MO 573-443-3893 | N/A | Low Cost spay/neuter for qualified individuals |
| Montana | Northwest Montana Humane Society PO Box 221 Kalispell, MT 59903 406-752-7297 | N/A | Offers discount vouchers (must call) |
| Nebraska | Hearts United for Animals PO Box 286 Auburn, NE 68305 402-274-3679 | N/A | Certificates for low income |
| Nevada | Las Vegas Valley Humane Society Las Vegas NV 702-434-20009 | www.lvvhumane.org | Call for the nearest office near you. |
| New Hampshire | N.H. Spay Line Toll Free 1-800-990-SPAY | N/A | Program helps residents of N.H. find low cost spay/neuter programs. |
| New Jersey | Monmouth County SPCA Spay/Neuter Clinic 260 Wall Street Eatontown, NJ 07724 732-542-3125 | N/A | Offers low cost vaccines, flea products, and spay/neuter services. |
| New Mexico | Humane Society of Otero County PO Box 686 La Luz, NM 88330 505-434-0316 | N/A | Contact for more information. |
| North Carolina | Humane Society of Charlotte 2646 Toomey Avenue Charlotte, NC 704-333-4130 | N/A | Call to find a Humane Society or clinic in your area. |
| North Dakota | Central Dakota Humane Society Spay/Neuter Assistance Program Bismarck-Mandan area ND 701-667-2020 | N/A | Offers discount vouchers (call first) |
| Ohio | Humane Society & Spay Neuter 4920 State Route 37 E Delaware, OH 43015 614-369-7387 | N/A | Call to find a local office near you. |
| Oklahoma | ets & People Humane Society Oklahoma City, OK 405-350-PETS | N/A | Call for more information |
| Oregon | Humane Society of the Willamette Valley PO Box 13005 Salem, OR 97309 503-585-5900 ext 308 | N/A | Call for more information |
| Pennsylvania | Humane League of Lancaster County Lancaster, PA 717-393-6551 | N/A | Call for office locations near you. |
| Rhode Island | Spay/neuter assistance program R.I. Veterinary Medical Association 877-521-0103 | N/A | Contact them for more information. |
| South Carolina | Grand Strand Humane Society S-N Clinic Myrtle Beach SC 843-448-9151 | N/A | Contact them for more information. |
| South Dakota | nimal Friends Humane Society Prevent A Litter (PAL) Rapid City SD 605-348-1635 | N/A | Office is maintained by funds and donations, so be sure to contact them first. |
| Tennessee | Humane Society of Greater Sullivan County Kingsport TN 423-239-5237 | N/A | Contact them for more office locations near you. |
| Texas | Brown County Humane Society Brownwood TX 76801 325-646-0617 | N/A | Spays and neuters 15 animals per month. |
| Utah | Humane Society of Utah PO Box 573659 Murray, UT 84157 801-261-2919 ext 214 | N/A | Contact them for an office near you. |
| Vermont | Elizabeth H. Brown Humane Society c/o Ann Kimball St. Johnsbury, VT 802-748-4281 | N/A | Contact them for a location near you. |
| Virginia | People United for Animals PUFA PO Box 1082 Bristol TN 37621 423-274-2407 | N/A | Serving the VA/TN residents. |
| Washington | Humane Society of Seattle/King County 13212 SE Eastgate Way Bellevue, WA 98005 425-641-0080 | N/A | Call for a location near you. |
| West Virginia | Monongalia County Humane Society Morgantown WV 304-296-6247 | N/A | Contact them for information and more office locations. |
| Wisconson | Humane Animal Welfare Society Waukesha WI 262-542-8851 | N/A | Contact them for more information. |
| Wyoming | Pet Pals Inc. HC 76, Box 58 Hawk Springs, WY 82217 307-532-3861 | www.petpalsinc.org | Contact them for more information. |
You may have to call around to find a low cost or human society in your specific town. However, this will give you a good head start to help you find a low-cost/no-cost service in your state.
If you can’t find a clinic in your area, then visit the Humane Society of the United States to find an affordable spay or neuter clinic.
Spaying female pugs should be considered one of the costs of having a pet. Read this article to find out how much a pug costs, expenses every pet owner should consider.
If you don’t qualify for these low-cost services, then you definitely should check out the best pug insurance to help you with their medical costs.
Best Age to Spay A Female Pug?
As I mentioned above, as soon as your pug puppy turns 8 weeks old, you can get her spayed. It’s best to do it while they are young because their recovery time will be less.
Speaking of recovery, you will need to take some steps to keep your dog comfortable after being spayed or neutered.
Recovery Treatment Care Tips
- Keep your pug inside and away from other animals while recovering from surgery.
- Avoid jumping, and running for at least two weeks after the surgery. (your vet will tell you how long)
- Use A recovery cone, this keeps your dog from licking or biting their incision.
- Avoid bathing your pug for at least 10 days post-surgery.
- Keep an eye on them and if you notice any signs of vomiting, diarrhea, or eating less, be sure to contact your vet.
Your veterinarian will inform you of the best treatment for pain and how to keep your pug comfortable while they recover.
When I got Mindy spayed when she was a pup, the procedure went smoothly. Since she was so young, we didn’t encounter any complications, so hopefully, you won’t either.
Here is some post-operative advice after your canine spay surgery.
What Are the Risks?
Unfortunately, with any surgery, it is normal to be concerned about the risks. However, most veterinarians will agree that the benefits of spaying outweigh the risks.
Urinary Incontinence
20% of spayed dogs will develop incontinence during their life, this usually happens during their senior years. However, some dogs can develop this shortly after the procedure.
Surgical Complications
With both spaying and neutering, surgical complications are not uncommon. All surgeries carry risk and while they are NOT common, it’s still a factor you need to take into consideration.
Will Spaying Change My Pugs Personality?
Spaying female pugs can change your dog’s personality, but for the better. They will still be the same loving “clown” it always was. She will also have the same habits.
However, once they are spayed, you won’t have to worry about her running away anymore. Which will make managing her a lot easier.
You’ll feel good that you’ve cut her chances of getting mammary cancer or other reproductive cancers by 70%.
Will Spaying My Pug Cause Her to Get Fat?
Most people tend to believe that spaying a dog can make her gain weight. However, females that are spayed do not risk weight gain. As long as you continue to feed them a well-balanced diet and continue to exercise on a regular basis once they recover from the surgery.
If a pug is inactive, they risk weight gain whether they have been spayed or neutered. These playpen for pugs are a great way to keep your pug active when you don’t have time to take them for a walk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spaying A Pug
When should a female pug be spayed? Anytime after eight weeks of age, and preferably before their first heat cycle. This will provide the best chances for an easier recovery and fewer complications during surgery.
Should I get my pug spayed? Spaying a female pug reduces the chances of pregnancy and other cancers. This improves their chances of having a longer, healthier life.
References and Further Reading
Pet Health Network – Two Ways of Spaying A Dog: Ovariohysterectomy vs Ovariectomy
Spay First – What Is Spay/Neuter?
Veterinary Medicine – Performing an Ovariectomy In Dogs and Cats
Pets – Cost Helper and Pet Care