DESEXING

Desexing is a routine surgical procedure performed under general anaesthetic to remove part of a pet's reproductive system.

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• Female desexing (spaying) involves removing the ovaries and uterus.

• Male desexing (castration or neutering) involves removing both testicles.

Every year, thousands of dogs and cats are euthanised in shelters across Australia.  Desexing your pet is one of the most effective ways to prevent unwanted litters and reduce overpopulation.

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Benefits for Females

• Prevents unplanned pregnancies

• Stops heat cycles, associated bleeding and unwanted attention from male dogs

• Reduces the risk of mammary tumours, ovarian and uterine cancers and serious uterine infections.

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Benefits for Males

• Helps reduce roaming, aggression and territorial behaviours

• Decreases urine odour and in many cases, prevents spraying (especially in cats)

• Lowers the risk of prostate disease and perianal tumours

• Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer

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Behavioural Benefits

Desexing can prevent or slightly reduce:

• Wandering in search of a mate

• Fighting (especially in male cats), which often leads to abscesses and complications such as Feline AIDS

• Mounting and other hormone-driven behaviours

Desexing can be performed from around four months of age.  While it can be done early, the benefits are greatest when performed before a female dog's first heat.  Current guidelines recommend timing based on breed size to balance health outcomes:

• Small & Toy Breeds: ~ 6 months

• Medium Breeds: ~ 12 months

• Large Breeds: ~ 18 months

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Your vet can help you determine the ideal time for your pet

"Females should have one litter first"
False.  Spaying before the first heat dramatically reduces the risk of mammary cancer and provides the greatest long-term health benefits

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"Desexing makes pets fat."
Desexing itself doesn't cause weight gain - overfeeding and lack of exercise do.  Monitoring diet and activity keeps your pet fit and healthy.

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"A guard dog won't protect the home if desexed"
Guarding behaviour is instinctive and based on territory, not reproductive hormones.  Desexed dogs are often more stable and less prone to aggression as they age.

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"Pets become lazy after desexing"

Most pets show no change in personality.  Young males may be calmer and less inclined to roam, mount or escape in search of a mate - but this is a positive behavioural benefit.