DESEXING
Desexing Your Pet
A simple procedure with lifelong health and behavioural benefits for dogs and cats.
Desexing for Dogs and Cats: What You Need to Know
Desexing (also known as sterilisation or neutering) is a routine surgical procedure that prevents dogs and cats from reproducing. It’s strongly recommended for all pets not intended for breeding, and offers significant health, behavioural, and community benefits.
Desexing Explained: Answers to the Most Common Questions
What is Desexing?
Males (Castration): Surgical removal of the testicles.
Females (Spay): Surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus.
When Can I Desex My Pet?
The ideal age is between 4 and 6 months, but pets can be desexed at almost any age. Desexing before 6 months offers several health and behavioural advantages.
Benefits of Early Desexing
Prevents unwanted litters, which can be costly and contribute to pet overpopulation
Reduces risk of serious diseases like testicular cancer, prostate issues, pyometra, and mammary tumours
Eliminates female heat cycles
Lowers aggression and roaming, especially in males
Reduces council registration fee
Can I Desex My Pet While in Heat?
If your pet comes into heat before surgery, let us know. Unless urgent, we may recommend waiting 2–3 weeks after the cycle ends, as the uterus is more delicate and prone to bleeding during heat.
Behavioural Changes After Desexing
Reduced sexual behaviours (e.g. marking, mounting, howling)
Males are less likely to fight or roam
Females are less likely to urinate indoors during heat
Will My Pet Gain Weight After Desexing?
Desexed pets may have lower energy needs, so it’s important to adjust their food intake and maintain regular exercise. Obesity is preventable with proper care.
What is a Retained Testicle?
A retained testicle (cryptorchidism) occurs when one or both testicles don’t descend into the scrotum. Abdominal surgery may be required to remove them.
Desexing After Pregnancy
Desexing is recommended once:
Puppies or kittens are fully weaned
Milk has dried up
Mammary tissue returns to normal
Other Procedures to Combine with Desexing
Save on future anaesthesia by combining desexing with:
Microchipping
Vaccinations
Heartworm testing
Baby teeth removal
Dew claw removal
Umbilical hernia repair
Stenotic nares/soft palate surgery (for brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, Frenchies)