Why And When You Should Desex Your Pet
Desexing your new cat, dog, puppy or kitten, is more important than you think. Beyond ensuring overpopulation and unwanted litters, there are many more reasons why desexing your dog or cat is the right move as a responsible pet owner. Here’s everything from the why to the how, and the aftercare. Why should I desex my dog or puppy?
Not desexing your dog or puppy can lead to a variety of health issues, including:
- Mammary Cancer (female dogs)
- Testicular Cancer (male dogs)
- Prostate problems (male dogs)
What Age Should I Desex My Dog Or Puppy?
Your dog is never too old to be de-sexed, however the minimum age is six months.
What Age Should I Desex My Cat Or Kitten?
Like a dog, your cat is never too old to be desexed, however the recommended minimum age is five months, as this is when your female cat may have her first season.
Why Should I Desex My Cat Or Kitten?
Not desexing your cat or kitten can lead to undesirable behaviours and issues including:
- Wandering
- Fighting
- Unwanted Litters
- Spraying
What’s the difference between spaying and neutering? Spaying is the removal of the ovaries and uterus whereas Neutering is the removal of testicles.
The Desexing Procedure And Aftercare
The Procedure
The level of medical care during a desexing is gold standard at PETstock VET, and we aim to make the procedure as convenient as possible - including flexible drop off/pick up policy (where applicable).
Contact your local PETstock VET for flexible drop off and pick up times.
During a PETstock VET desexing procedure, your pet:
- Receives a full physical examination to make sure they are healthy and fit for the surgery
- Goes under general anaesthesia using the same drugs and medications you would receive if you had surgery
- Anaesthetic is monitored by a qualified vet nurse
- Has fluids injected into the vein to support their circulatory system, warming devices to keep their body temperature high and different types of pain relief so they are comfortable during and after the procedure
To book a desexing appointment for your pet, call 13PETS for your nearest PETstock VET clinic here.
Immediately After
It’s important to remember that desexing involves internal surgery and requires care and attention for some time after the procedure.
When you collect your dog or cat from the vet clinic, they may be a little drowsy for the next 12-24 hours and a bit out of sorts for a few days – quite normal following an anaesthetic and surgery. Keep them in a quiet, warm place and provide only small, frequent amounts to eat and drink. A cat igloo is a great bedding option for cats as it allows them to hide away from the rest of the household.
Caring For Your Dog Or Cat After Desexing
Most dogs and cats start to feel much better within a few days. Unfortunately, this has some disadvantages in that your pet may start jumping, running around and generally trying to do everything they can to upset their stitches! Try to keep your pet as quiet as possible for the next 10 days. Avoid bathing or letting them swim during this time, too.
Keeping your pet calm while still providing them with enough stimulation can seem like a difficult task. Chew toys and treats will entertain your pooch during the time they can’t run and play.
Problems Resulting From Desexing
Generally, there are very few complications after a desexing procedure. However, there are some signs to watch for:
- Is your dog or cat dull and listless (especially after the first 24 hours)?
- Any display of redness or irritation?
- Is there swelling or lumpiness?
- Call your vet if you notice any of these signs.
Do you know about Petstock Vet?
Speak to your local vet for more advice and information. Or you can visit one of our Petstock VET clinics in your local area.
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