When should I have my dog desexed?

For many pet-parents, desexing surgery is one of the biggest decisions that they will make about their four-legged family member’s health.

When performed at an ideal time, desexing can offer some protective health benefits for dogs. Additionally, preventing unplanned breeding helps to reduce the numbers of unwanted pups entering already crowded animal shelters. For this reason, desexing is mandatory in some states (except for breeders who hold a government permit).

Although it’s a common procedure, desexing can still be a concerning event for owners. To help you feel more informed and hopefully reassured, we’ve produced this desexing information guide to address some commonly asked questions. We’d also advise consulting with your veterinarian regarding specific health recommendations for your fur-bestie.

What is dog desexing? Understanding the surgery and terminology

Desexing is a surgical procedure performed under general anaesthesia by a vet, involving the removal of a pet’s reproductive organs to permanently prevent them from breeding.

Desexing in females is known as spaying, and most commonly involves the removal of both ovaries and most of the uterus (with the cervix usually being left in place). Desexing in male dogs involves castration, where both testicles are removed. In certain cases, other surgical or medical options may be considered in place of routine desexing, however these can be more costly in the long run and, in the case of surgery, may have some added risks for the pet.

Desexing can have significant impacts on your furry friend's future health by reducing or even preventing hormonally influenced diseases. It’s important to think this through since it can help your pet live their best life!

The benefits of desexing for both male and female dogs

Desexing isn’t just about preventing surprise puppies, it’s a game-changer for your dog’s health and happiness! This simple procedure can help them live a longer, healthier life while also curbing some other less than ideal behaviours.

From reducing the risk of certain diseases to keeping your pup feeling their best, desexing comes with some serious perks.

In female dogs:

• Prevention of pyometra, a potentially life-threatening infection of the uterus
• Prevention of false pregnancies
• Prevention of cysts and tumours of the ovaries
• Prevention of tumours of the uterus
• A reduced risk of tumours of the vagina and vulva
• Prevention of pregnancy and birth-related health complications
• Potentially, a reduced risk of mammary (breast) cancer

In male dogs:

• Prevention of tumours of the testicles
• A reduced risk of hormonally influenced prostate enlargement, which can in turn reduce the risk of prostate infections and cysts
• A reduced risk of benign tumours and hernias around the bottom

Desexing doesn’t just have health perks, it can also help your pup be their best-behaved self! From reducing roaming adventures to curbing some enthusiastic displays of affection, this procedure can make life easier for both you and your dog.

Here are some of the key behavioural benefits of desexing a dog:

• A reduced risk of roaming in male dogs (which they do when looking for the ladies!)
• A reduced risk of testosterone-driven fights between male dogs
• A reduced risk of urine marking (especially when performed in puppies)
• A reduced risk of ‘humping’ or mounting in male dogs
• Prevention of females ‘coming into heat’ which causes vaginal bleeding/discharge and attracts males attempting to mate with them

Surprise litters might sound cute, but they can lead to big problems. Desexing helps prevent accidental puppy booms, reducing the number of dogs ending up in shelters and giving more rescue pups a chance at finding their forever homes.

When is the right time to desex your dog?

This is a common question from pet-parents, and the answer will depend on factors such as your dog’s breed, any other behavioural or health concerns they may have, and your own preferences.

The traditional timing of desexing surgery for dogs has been at around 5-6 months old. This is done to help prevent accidental pregnancies, as many owners don’t realise that their female dog is likely to become fertile at around six months of age – timing is everything! Desexing at the right stage can help your pup get the most out of its health benefits, like fewer awkward humping moments and less territorial pee-mail from males, plus a lower risk of mammary cancer for females.

Many rescue organisations recommend that dogs be desexed even earlier, well before puberty (provided they are at a minimum bodyweight of 1kg). Early desexing ensures that pets are desexed prior to becoming fertile, and can also have some benefits for the dog, including a reduced risk of problematic bleeding during surgery and a potentially faster healing time.

More recently, however, there have also been studies on the incidence of certain diseases in different breeds of dog assessing whether their age of desexing alters their future likelihood of developing these issues. In some dogs (mostly certain larger breeds), desexing before one year of age can increase the risk of problems such as:

• Urinary incontinence
• Hip dysplasia
• Cruciate ligament tears
• Some cancers such as lymphoma and haemangiosarcoma
• Spinal disc disease in dachshunds

Feeling a bit overwhelmed? You’re not alone, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to the best time to desex your pup! That’s why it’s always a good idea to chat with your vet. They can assess your dog’s unique risk factors; like hormonally influenced health conditions, behaviour quirks, or the chance of an unplanned puppy surprise, so you can make the best decision for their long-term health and happiness.

Cost of desexing: Factors and considerations

Wondering what it’ll cost to get your furry mate desexed? While prices can vary, a routine desexing procedure for your dog typically falls between $300 - $700 (depending on age, gender and size). Think of it as an investment in their long-term health and happiness plus it helps avoid the much higher costs (and chaos) of unexpected litters!

Prices will vary according to:

• Males vs females (with the female operation being more involved and time-consuming, and therefore more expensive).
• Your pet’s age (with surgery on older dogs tending to be more complex with an increased likelihood of bleeding during or after surgery).

It’s important to consider also that a non-routine desexing (for example, a female dog with the uterus infection known as pyometra) is usually considerably more expensive than a routine desexing. This is due to it being a longer and more complex surgery that is often being performed on an unwell animal, therefore requiring additional diagnostic testing and supportive treatment.

In some cases, routine desexing prices might even be subsidised through local animal shelters or local council programs.

Preparing your dog for desexing surgery

The night before a routine desexing surgery, you will be advised to remove your pup’s food (usually by about 9pm), so that they have an empty tummy for surgery the next day. This helps to reduce their risk of vomiting whilst under anaesthesia (which can cause pneumonia).

When your four-legged friend is admitted to the vet hospital on the day of their surgery, they will receive a general health check. This may include a pre-anaesthetic blood test to assess their organ health. If your dog receives the all clear, they will then be given some calming sedative and pain relief medication, before undergoing full general anaesthetic for their surgery.

After surgery, your dog will usually be monitored for at least a few hours to ensure they are comfortable and recovering smoothly. When it’s time for them to go home, your vet team will discuss their required program of rest, ongoing pain relief and wound care – following these instructions closely will help to reduce your pet’s chance of any complications.

Will desexing change my pet’s behaviour?

Overall, your dog’s loveable personality will stay the same after desexing – phew! On top of the health perks, desexing can help dial down some of those hormonally driven behaviours – like the not-so-charming humping moments or testosterone-fueled scuffles between males. It’s a little less drama and a lot more peace for everyone!

Will pet insurance cover the cost of my dog’s desexing?

This will depend on your individual pet insurance policy, however, many policies will not, given that desexing is considered a routine procedure. However, pet insurance is still a great way to ensure you can afford the best possible treatment for your dog in the event of an unexpected illness or injury. There are also low-cost desexing options available across Australia, depending on your state or territory.

Desexing your dog offers health and behavioural benefits and can potentially increase the time you have with your precious companion. It also helps to prevent the number of unwanted puppies who may never find homes. Like you, your vet has the best interests of your dog at heart and can advise you regarding the best timing of this important procedure.