Everything You Need to Know About Desexing Your Pet

Desexing, also known as spaying or neutering, is a routine procedure performed by veterinarians to help prevent unwanted litters and support your pet’s health and well-being. 

While this is a standard procedure, it is essential to understand the optimal timing and potential effects on your pet’s health to make the best decision for your pet. In this blog, we’ll cover the recommended timing, provide helpful tips for the process, and discuss why every pet’s situation is unique.

Desexing your pet offers many benefits. For female pets, spaying eliminates the risk of uterine infections (pyometra) and significantly lowers the chance of developing mammary (breast) cancer. For male pets, neutering prevents testicular cancer and can help reduce behaviours such as aggression and territorial marking.

The appropriate age for desexing can depend on your pet’s breed, age, and overall health condition.

• Dogs: We generally recommend desexing dogs between 4 to 6 months of age. However, for larger breeds—especially giants like Great Danes—it may be better to wait until they are older. These breeds grow for a longer period, sometimes up to 2 years, and delaying desexing can help ensure proper growth and bone development. It's always best to consult your veterinarian to decide the most suitable timing based on your dog’s specific needs.
• Cats: For cats, desexing is typically advised between 4 to 6 months of age. Since cats can reach sexual maturity as early as five months, early desexing is crucial to prevent potential behavioural and management challenges. After six months, your cat is likely to become sexually active, which can make them more difficult to live with.

Every pet is different, so their desexing needs will vary. While general guidelines can provide some direction, the decision to desex should be based on your pet’s unique situation. Your vet will assess various factors, such as breed, size, health, and any risks, before recommending the best course of action.

During surgery, your pet will have a small area of fur shaved at the incision site, as well as potentially a patch on one or both front legs for the intravenous catheter, and possibly a small patch on the neck if blood is drawn.

The incision will be closed with either internal or external stitches, depending on what your vet deems appropriate. Our team will let you know if the sutures need to be removed at the follow-up appointment, which typically occurs 10 to 14 days post-surgery.

To ensure a smooth recovery, it's essential to prevent your pet from licking or biting at the stitches, as this could lead to complications like infections or additional injuries. An Elizabethan collar, or “cone,” might be needed if your pet starts licking or chewing at the surgery site.

After the procedure, your pet may feel a bit sleepy or disoriented for 12 to 24 hours. Keeping them calm and quiet during recovery is important, even though this may be challenging, especially for younger pets. Maintaining a relaxed environment is crucial to avoid complications, such as pulling out the stitches.

If you notice any unusual symptoms after the procedure, such as excessive swelling, redness, discharge at the incision site, prolonged vomiting, lethargy, or signs of severe pain, please contact us immediately. These could be indications of complications that require prompt medical attention. Quick intervention can help resolve any issues and ensure your pet recovers smoothly. Your pet's health and comfort are our highest priorities, so don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any concerns.

To learn more or book your pet’s desexing appointment, contact us today on 02 6351 3269.