Desexing offers a number of health and behavioural benefits, including:

• Preventing unwanted litters
• Reducing the risk of testicular cancer and prostate disease in males
• Helping prevent pyometra (uterine infection) and reducing the risk of mammary tumours in females
• Preventing females from coming into season (heat)
• Reducing roaming and some hormone-related behaviours
• Helping reduce aggression in some pets
• Lower council registration fees in many areas

The ideal age for desexing depends on your pet’s species, breed, age and individual health. While many dogs and cats are desexed between 4 and 6 months of age, this may not be the best timing for every pet.

Cats are typically desexed before they reach sexual maturity, helping to prevent unwanted litters and hormone-related behaviours.

For female dogs, desexing is generally recommended between seasons (heats) once they are older. Surgery should not be performed while they are in season or too soon before or after a heat cycle, as this can increase the risk of bleeding and make the procedure more complex.

Our veterinarians will discuss the most appropriate timing based on your pet’s age, breed and lifestyle, ensuring the best outcome for their long-term health.

To help your pet prepare for surgery:

• Book your pet’s procedure with our team.
• Dogs can be bathed the day before surgery, as they cannot be washed until their stitches are removed.
• Feed your pet their evening meal as normal, but remove any remaining food overnight.
• Fresh water should be available until 8:00 am on the day of surgery.
• Your veterinarian will perform a full health examination before the anaesthetic.
• A pre-anaesthetic blood test may be recommended to assess organ function.
• Intravenous fluids are recommended during most procedures and will be discussed with you beforehand.
• All pets receive pain relief during surgery, with take-home medication provided where appropriate.

Most pets recover quickly, but proper aftercare is important.

After your pet returns home:

• Keep them indoors and restrict exercise while they recover.
• Offer a small meal on the evening of surgery unless advised otherwise.
• Give all medications exactly as directed.
• Keep the bedding and recovery area clean.
• Check the incision twice daily for swelling, redness, bleeding or discharge.
• Prevent your pet from licking or chewing the wound. An Elizabethan collar (cone) may be required.
• Return for any scheduled post-operative checks and stitch removal if required.

Will desexing change my pet’s personality?

Your pet will remain the same companion you know, although some pets become calmer as hormone-related behaviours reduce.

Should my female have a litter before being desexed?

No. In fact, desexing before the first season can significantly reduce the risk of mammary cancer later in life.

Will my pet gain weight after desexing?

Desexing can slightly reduce your pet’s metabolism, but maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise will help keep them at an ideal weight.

Is desexing painful?

Some tenderness is normal after surgery, but we provide pain relief during and after the procedure to keep your pet as comfortable as possible.

Will my dog stop being protective?

No. Desexing does not remove your dog’s natural protective instincts or personality.