Desexing Your Dog: Everything You Need To Know
Desexing your dog can be a difficult choice to make, so in the following article, we hope to address some of your concerns and help make the decision a bit easier.
There are many benefits to desexing your dog that differ between male and female dogs. As well as lowered cancer risk and other health benefits, both sexes will see improvements in behaviour due to the stabilisation in their hormonal levels.
As a respected veterinary practice, we have seen firsthand the positive effects of desexing your dog and highly recommend booking it in as soon as you can.
What Is Desexing?
Desexing is a medical procedure that involves removing part of a dog’s reproductive system under anesthesia. It is a routine operation that is performed by veterinarians regularly. The desexing procedure is irreversible and recommended for most dogs.
The most apparent purpose behind desexing is eliminating the risk of your dog falling pregnant or impregnating other dogs. Unwanted pregnancies can add more stress and expenses to your life without the proper preparation.
Is It For Male Or Female Dogs?
Desexing is for both male and female dogs. However, they have varying benefits for dogs due to their different reproductive organs.
For male dogs, desexing is also known as castration or neutering. It prevents male dogs from unintentionally impregnating female dogs and is highly recommended for hyperactive and hypersexual dogs.
The removal of a dog’s reproductive organs dramatically reduces testosterone levels and the need to seek a sexual mate. These lower testosterone levels can have significant behavioural benefits – if your dog is continually mounting, urine marking, and behaving in a sexually aggressive manner, desexing may be a great help to you as the owner.
Female dog desexing, known as spaying, means removing part of their reproductive system in surgery. It is a longer and more complicated procedure than male desexing, but its benefits are more significant. Desexed female dogs will no longer go through heat or be able to fall pregnant.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Desexing My Dog?
We know a desexing procedure prevents unwanted litter, which can be very costly and may add to the overwhelming number of stray animals put down each year. Additionally, it has numerous health benefits that can bolster your dog’s well-being and increase their life expectancy.
For female dogs, desexing for starters stops the “heat” cycle and reduces the risk of mammary cancer, pyometra (infection of the uterus), ovarian cancer, offering your pet an increased life expectancy.
For male dogs, desexing prevents testicular cancers and prostate disease. It also helps decrease aggression towards humans and other animals and makes them less prone to wander.
Desexing is one of the first and most important actions to take as a responsible pet owner to help your dog live a longer and healthier life.
When Should I Have My Dog Desexed?
This is a conversation best had with the veterinarian at your puppy vaccinations. The recommendation can vary depending on breed, dog’s size, and health. These days we tend to recommend dogs being desexed later in adolescence, which can help with their physical development and reduce the likelihood of some musculoskeletal issues like cruciate disease and hip dysplasia, especially in large breed dogs.
How Much Does It Cost To Desex My Dog?
The exact price to desex your dog varies depending on their gender, breed, age, and size. Female dogs can be more expensive to desex than male dogs as it is a more extended and complex surgery requiring more medication. However, desexing your dog is cheaper than pregnancy in the long run.
In addition, the desexing procedure may be more cost-effective for you in the long run; according to government regulation, a desexed dog costs less to register and less to insure once sterilised.
When Is It Too Late To Desex My Dog?
There is no age limit on when you can desex your dog. It will still effectively stop their sexual production and positively impact your dog’s health at any age. However, as a veterinarian, we recommend having your dog desexed sooner rather than later. The older your dog becomes, the higher the risk for surgical complications.
How Long Will It Take For My Dog To Recover?
Typically, a female dog will take longer to recover from desexing compared to male dogs due to the length and more complex nature of the procedure. Your dog will be taken home with pain relief to treat any discomfort.
For male dogs, your dog will likely be quieter and lethargic as they will be confused by the operation. They may struggle with their appetite and bowel movements until they feel normal. After two days, your dog should be feeling better.
However, desexed female dogs may take longer and be more sensitive as the veterinarian will work within the abdominal cavity. Female dogs can take up to 14 days to fully recover from the operation, so try to take care of them and encourage them to rest often.
The surgery site will also be very sensitive, and at risk of infection, so you need to ensure that your dog cannot reach the stitches. Licking the surgery site increases the risk of infection and compromises their stitches. If you’re worried about them, get in touch with us.