Why And When You Should Desex Your Dog
Desexing your new dog or puppy is more important than you think. Beyond ensuring overpopulation and unwanted litters, there are many more reasons why desexing your dog is the right move as a responsible pet owner. Here’s everything from the why to the how, and the aftercare.
Not desexing your dog or puppy can lead to a variety of health issues, including:
- Mammary cancer (female dogs)
- Infection of the uterus/pyometra (female dogs)
- Testicular cancer (male dogs)
- Prostate problems (male dogs)
What Age Should I Desex My Dog Or Puppy?
- Their breed: There is no standard time for when all dogs need to be desexed, current recommendations vary from 6 months to after 23 months. Your veterinarian can provide the latest medical advice for your puppy.
- Their gender: Female dogs have different recommended ages for desexing to males.
- Medical conditions: The age of desexing can increase or decrease the likelihood of certain medical conditions like cancer, urinary incontinence and issues with bones.
- Cost: Desexing at a later age can be more expensive.
- Surgery procedure: Desexing at a later age may take more time and require extra steps. Your veterinarian can provide the latest advice and information on this.
- Council registration: Some councils require desexing to be completed at a certain age. Your vet can discuss this with your council on your behalf if you need an extension.
- Your family routine: The timing of desexing can affect your household, especially if delaying the procedure means your dog will experience a heat cycle. During this time, female dogs may attempt to escape, require close supervision, and have bloody discharge. Consider whether managing a heat cycle is practical for your home and lifestyle – factors like secure fencing, flooring type and household routines may influence your decision.
We always recommend talking to a professional, like our expert Petstock Vet team, who can talk you through these factors to find the right solution for you and your dog.
What’s the difference between spaying and neutering?
Neutering is the removal of reproductive organs for male and female dogs. Spaying refers to the female surgery, while castration refers to the male surgery.
The Desexing Procedure And Aftercare
The Procedure
At Petstock VET, our team treats every pet undergoing surgery with the same care and attention as if they were their own.
From gentle handling to personalised post-op comfort, we strive to make the experience as stress-free as possible for both pets and their owners.
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.
- Receives anaesthetic, 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.
Aftercare
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 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. This is quite normal following an anaesthetic and surgery. Keep them in a quiet, warm place and follow your vet's discharge instructions on feeding and drinking.
Caring For Your Dog After Desexing
Most dogs 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 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.
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