Desexing (also known as sterilisation, neutering, castration or speying) is a surgical procedure that prevents your pet from reproducing. It is one of the most common procedures performed by our veterinary team and offers significant health, behavioural and population-control benefits.When should I desex my pet?
There is no longer a “one-size-fits-all” answer.
The ideal age for desexing depends on your pet’s species, breed, size, lifestyle and individual health considerations. While many cats and smaller dogs are desexed from around six months of age, some larger and giant breed dogs may benefit from delaying desexing until they are more physically mature.
Our veterinarians will discuss the latest evidence and provide personalised recommendations for your pet.
Benefits of desexing
Desexing can provide a range of health and behavioural benefits, including:
For males
- Prevents testicular cancer
- Reduces the risk of prostate disease
- Reduces roaming and wandering behaviour
- May decrease urine marking
- May reduce hormone-driven behaviours and some forms of aggression
For females
- Prevents pyometra (a serious and potentially life-threatening uterine infection)
- Greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumours when performed before later heat cycles
- Prevents unwanted pregnancies
- Eliminates heat cycles and associated behaviours
For all pets
- Prevents unwanted litters
- Helps reduce the number of homeless animals entering shelters
- May reduce the risk of injury associated with roaming and mating behaviours
- Can contribute to a longer, healthier life
Frequently Asked Questions
Will desexing change my pet’s personality?
No. Your pet’s core personality will remain the same. Desexing may reduce certain hormone-driven behaviours, but your pet will still be the same companion you know and love.
Should my female have a litter before being desexed?
No. There is no medical benefit to allowing a female dog or cat to have a litter before desexing. In fact, delaying desexing through multiple heat cycles can increase the risk of mammary tumours.
Will desexing make my pet overweight?
Desexed pets generally require slightly fewer calories after surgery due to hormonal changes. Maintaining an appropriate diet and regular exercise will help keep your pet at a healthy weight.
Is desexing painful?
Your pet will be under a general anaesthetic throughout the procedure and will receive modern pain relief before, during and after surgery. Most pets recover quickly and are back to their normal selves within a few days.
Will my dog lose its protective instincts?
No. Desexing does not affect a dog’s loyalty, intelligence or natural protective behaviour.
What happens on the day of surgery?
- Your pet will receive a thorough pre-operative examination.
- Pre-anaesthetic blood testing may be recommended to assess organ function and overall health.
- All patients receive intravenous fluids during anaesthesia.
- Modern anaesthetic monitoring equipment is used throughout the procedure.
- All pets receive pain relief before surgery and medication to continue at home.
- All pets return home the same day.
Before surgery
- Dogs should be bathed the day before surgery if needed.
- Do not feed your pet after 9pm the night before surgery unless instructed otherwise.
- Water may remain available overnight.
After surgery
For the first 10–14 days after surgery:
- Keep your pet calm and restrict vigorous exercise.
- Prevent licking or chewing of the incision site.
- Administer all medications as directed.
- Check the wound daily for swelling, redness, discharge or excessive bruising.
- Attend all recommended post-operative checks.
Contact us immediately if you have any concerns about your pet’s recovery.
Have questions?
Our veterinarians are happy to discuss the best desexing options and timing for your individual pet.
Please call Swanbourne Veterinary Centre on (08) 9384 2644 to book an appointment or discuss your pet’s needs.