Desexing dogs keeps your pet from starting a family they didn’t plan for. It’s routine surgery that stops reproduction, and vets bring it up for good reason. It’s not exactly dinner party conversation, but it ranks high on the list of things that may help to keep your dog healthy and happy.
Time to get snippy about the details! We’ll trim away the confusion on desexing, explain why many vets are such big fans, and when you should book the appointment.
What does dog desexing mean?
Desexing is the Aussie term for the surgery that stops your dog from having more puppies than expected. Other countries may say “neutering,” but here in Australia, most vets refer to “desexing”.
- Desexing male dogs is called “castration”. The most common procedure is when a vet removes both testicles through a small incision. Simple enough, and boys usually recover within a week or two.
- When desexing female dogs, the procedure is called spaying. The most common procedure involves removing your dog’s ovaries and usually her uterus as well through a small surgical incision in her tummy.
Both procedures need proper aftercare. Watch for licking at the surgical site, keep activity levels low, and follow your vet’s instructions. Most dogs are back on their paws in no time, but factor in potential follow-up vet check-ups just in case.
As cute as they are, raising puppies requires round-the-clock care and commitment. Imagine having to care for a whole new litter by surprise! Desexing helps prevent that from happening. It’s a commonly done, routine procedure done under general anaesthetic.
Top 8 benefits of desexing dogs
Desexing dogs may come with plenty of behavioural and health perks that go far beyond avoiding surprise puppies. Here’s what you and your four-legged mate stand to gain.
- Lower cancer risks
Neutering your male dog may lower the risk of testicular cancer, while spaying your female may lessen the chance of ovarian and uterine cancers. Chat to your veterinarian about the specific risks or benefits your dog may have to help you make the best decision.
- Less roaming about
Intact male dogs can smell a female in heat from kilometres away. And sometimes, they will go through lengths to reach her. Desexing may reduce the hormonal urge to wander, so your furry mate is far more likely to stay close.
- No more messy heat cycles
Desexing female dogs means no more dealing with bleeding, nappies, or keeping her away from male dogs every six months.
- Calmer mood
Many pet parents notice their dogs become a bit calmer and more focused after desexing, though personality and energy levels remain largely the same. Your bouncy Frenchie will still be bouncy, just perhaps slightly less obsessed with, well, certain urges.
- Reduces pet overpopulation
Australian shelters are packed. Thousands of dogs get euthanised every year because homes run out before dogs do. Desexing your dog means one less litter adding to that number.
- Eases shelter crowding
Fewer surprise litters means rescue centres aren’t drowning in puppies. Shelters can spend their time and money on the animals already waiting for homes.
- No surprise litters
Unless you’re a registered breeder with a solid plan, surprise puppies can be stressful, expensive, and contribute to the overpopulation problem. Desexing reduces this worry entirely.
When should you desex your dog?
This is a great topic to bring up during vet checkups as your pup grows. Talk to your vet. They’ll assess your dog and recommend the best timing.
It really depends on breed, size, and individual health. There is no standard age for desexing but it’s generally recommended before sexual maturity, although again this may depend on your dogs’ breed and other factors.
Getting your dog neutered or spayed costs different amounts based on your postcode, your dog’s size, and whether it’s a he or she losing their bits. It’s part of the overall cost of owning a dog in Australia, but an important one to budget for.
Overall, spays are typically pricier than neuters because they’re more surgically complicated procedures that remove the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
It’s important to find out how much desexing your dog may cost before you get them, as costs can range widely depending on your location, dogs’ size/breed, gender and other factors.
These prices cover anaesthesia and basic post-surgery care, but expect to pay more if your pet is in heat, pregnant, or has undescended testicles.
💡Desexing isn’t covered by Knose Pet Insurance, but if your dog has undescended testicles, the extra vet costs for treatment are covered (provided it is not a Pre-Existing Symptom or Condition). Already insured? Top up with the comprehensive Knose Pet Care Plan (separate product) which can cover dog desexing.
Some local governments in Australia help desex your dog. The programs differ by location, but they often run discount desexing programs or offer vouchers for eligible pet parents. Check the National Desexing Network, pay your local council a visit, or contact animal welfare groups like AWL.
One small snip, a lifetime of benefits
At the end of the day, desexing your dog may help provide a number of benefits for both them and you.
Your vet will explain exactly what will happen, how to prepare your dog, and what to expect during recovery. Most dogs are back to their usual antics within 2 weeks. Keep them calm for the first week. No jumping or running, and watch the incision site for swelling or discharge. Pain meds from your vet will help them heal faster and keep them more comfortable during the recovery
So book that chat, ask the questions, and give your dog a pat from us! They might not thank you straight away, but their future self definitely will.
Disclaimer:
This information is general in nature and provided for reference only. For full details of what Knose Pet Insurance covers or excludes, please refer to the official Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or contact Knose support on 1300 356 642. Paid post in collaboration with Ranzel.
