Just like humans, vaccinations can be crucial in protecting your pet from nasty diseases and bacteria. While desexing is a decision that can be made later in life, getting your pet vaccinated from the get-go is crucial to keeping them healthy.
We’ll take you through everything you need to know about desexing and vaccinating so that you know all the steps to their necessary healthcare.
When to Desex Your Dog
There are many considerations when deciding when to desex your pet. Some of these include:
- 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.
Please consult with your veterinarian as early as possible (ideally during their vaccinations) on the best time to desex your pup. There is no standard age for desexing for all dogs and recommendations vary by breed, so speaking to your vet will give you the right information. Your vet can also provide an estimate of costs.
If you have any questions you can reach out to one of our Petstock Vet clinics on 13 PETS or consult with a veterinarian online through Petstock Vet Chat.
Desexing A Female Dog
It will come as no surprise that there are a few differences between desexing your female and male dog. Spaying is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus of the female puppy, making her sterile.
As well as preventing unwanted pregnancy, there are plenty of other benefits of spaying your female pup including the prevention of:
- Potentially life-threatening infection of reproductive tract known as pyometra
- Cancer
While female dog desexing is a standard procedure, it is considered a major surgery and performed under full anaesthetic. It also requires a short stay at the vet for your pup.
Desexing A Male Dog
The procedure to desex a male dog is called castration. During surgery, the testicles are removed, making it impossible for him to father pups.
Castration is carried out under full anaesthetic but is a shorter and less complicated operation than female desexing. It also comes with a range of benefits beyond stopping unwanted pregnancies and can help prevent:
- Testicular cancer
- Prostate issues
- Certain behaviours like roaming from home or aggression
There are also non-surgical options for castrating a male dog using an injection that is temporary. Please speak to your vet for further details like costs and side effects.
What To Know About Desexing
Desexing your pet is a permanent procedure and cannot be reversed. It means they will no longer be able to have puppies.
Desexing plays an important role in minimising the number of accidental litters and can be a powerful tool to help minimise the number of dogs on the street.
Puppy Care Post Surgery
After the procedure, your pup might be a little sore and drowsy, so they’ll need plenty of love and care while they recover. While the anaesthetic wears off, it’s important to keep them comfortable and calm. Your vet will provide specific, individualised advice to help you care for your pup post-op.
Your vet will more than likely provide you with a collar to prevent them from licking or biting at their stitches. However, you should inspect the surgical site and check for swelling or discharge and keep a close eye on them to ensure that they don’t reopen their stitches.
You should call a vet if you notice:
- Swelling or bleeding around the stitches.
- Your puppy is constantly licking the stitches.
- Your pet is still drowsy and lethargic after 24 hours.
- Your pup refuses to eat or drink.
You should also try to limit their exercise and movement while your pup is recovering. Try and discourage them from running, jumping or playing too aggressively and refer to your vet’s post-op recommendations. If you have any questions or you are concerned, call your vet to check in.
Puppy Vaccination
Besides desexing, puppy vaccines are one of the most important things to consider when it comes to your dog’s health. Starting a vaccine schedule at a young age allows you to protect your pup from several serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses and build healthy vaccination habits for the rest of their lives.
The most common diseases dogs are vaccinated against include:
- Canine distemper
- Canine hepatitis
- Canine parvovirus
- Parainfluenza virus
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
At their young age, a pup’s immune system is still developing, which means they’re vulnerable to a range of illnesses and diseases. The recommended vaccination schedule for puppies starts from 6 to 8 weeks of age. There are then one or two booster vaccinations in subsequent weeks, but this varies depending on the vaccine used. Speak to your veterinarian about timing for vaccines used at your clinic.
Remember, after your furry friend has been vaccinated, they need to avoid public areas or dogs that are not up to date with their vaccinations. Although it can be tempting to let them explore their new world, the vaccines will take a little while to build up resistance to viruses.
Petstock vets recommend annual booster vaccinations to provide the best protection throughout your dog’s life.
After vaccination, don't be surprised if your puppy or dog seems a little lethargic but if you are concerned, call your vet to check in.
Vaccination For Puppy Schedule
Your vet will come up with a vaccination schedule for your puppy that typically involves a series of three injections followed by an annual booster.
However, this can vary depending on your pup and the vaccines used in clinic. As always, consult with your vet/clinic for the right time to come in.
Things To Look Out for After Your Puppy’s Vaccination
Minor side-effects are completely normal after a vaccination. The vaccines stimulate your puppy's immune system, so they may have minor symptoms a few hours following their vaccination. These side effects will ease after a day or two.
Common side effects include:
- Tenderness or sensitivity at the vaccination site
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Nasal discharge, sneezing or coughing
While uncommon, there are a few major side effects that you should take seriously. If you notice any of the following, make sure to take your pet to your closest vet for a full check-up:
- Weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Limping
When it comes to your furry friend’s health, it’s also best to speak to a trusted vet. They will be able to provide you with an in-depth vaccination schedule and even remind you when your pup’s next one is due!
FAQs about Puppy Desexing and Vaccinations
When do puppies get vaccinations?
You should start vaccinating your pup between 6 to 8 weeks.
How many vaccinations do puppies need?
All dogs should receive the core vaccine that protects them from canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus and canine parvovirus. There may be other vaccines that your pup needs depending on where they live, lifestyle and risk of exposure to a specific infection.
How much does desexing a dog cost?
The cost of desexing will vary across clinics. Factors like your puppy's gender, size, age and other individual factors will also influence the total price. Your vet can give you an estimate of costs for your pup.