Desexing Dogs: The Ins and Outs of It

The choice of desexing dogs is one that every Owner must make for their own pooch.  And you want to make sure you have as much information as possible before making an irreversible decision. What are the pros and cons of desexing dogs? What can you expect if you decide to move forward with desexing? Is it something your pet insurance will cover?

In this article, we’ll explain everything you want to know about desexing so that you can make the choice with confidence.

What does desexing entail, exactly?

Desexing is a surgical procedure that removes a dog’s reproductive organs. 

For female dogs, the process is called spaying, and the uterus and ovaries are removed. This will mean that she will no longer go into heat.

For male dogs, desexing is called neutering and involves the removal of the testicles. 

Both procedures are done under general anesthesia so that the dog is completely unconscious.

How common is desexing dogs in Australia?

Over the past few decades, public opinion on desexing dogs has changed substantially. While desexing used to be uncommon, it is now generally accepted as a standard practice.

In fact, in many parts of Australia, including SA and ACT, desexing laws require that Owners spay or neuter their dogs within a certain age. There are some exceptions for registered breeders and working dogs, but the majority of Pet Owners in these states are expected to desex their dog.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that everyone agrees on desexing dogs as a practice or complies with the desexing laws. In fact, a survey of ACT-based veterinarians in 2019 showed that many practicing vets were not likely to recommend desexing to their clients or were unaware of the laws.

So, as you can see, while there is a general move towards desexing dogs, some Pet Owners may still be hesitant about or unaware of the pros and cons of the procedure.

What are the arguments for desexing dogs?

The main argument for desexing dogs is pregnancy prevention. Some Owners may be surprised to find out that some dog breeds reach sexual maturity as early as six or eight months. And female dogs can get pregnant during their very first heat. 

Given the amount of dogs that end up in shelters every year, it makes sense that animal advocates would encourage desexing. By controlling overpopulation in the dog community, desexing is a good way to make sure that there are more families looking for dogs than dogs looking for families.

There are also health benefits of desexing dogs. Both male and female dogs experience a decrease in the risk of certain types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer and prostate cancer, after being spayed or neutered. This can mean a longer, happier life for your pup.

Another pro of desexing dogs has to do with behaviour. Urinating to mark territory, for instance, can decrease or stop after the surgery. And while the procedure certainly doesn’t take the place of proper training and socialisation, it may help with some potentially dangerous behaviours that come with dog puberty. Dogs looking for a mate, for example, are prone to escaping and getting into fights with other dogs. 

Are there risks associated with desexing dogs?

As compelling as the advantages are, Dog Owners should know about the potential risks as well. As you’ll see, many of the risks can be prevented or lowered with fairly simple solutions.

For one, early desexing has raised some questions about possible links to health conditions later on. Cranial cruciate ligament disease, which can cause back leg lameness, and hip dysplasia have both been found in higher rates in dogs who were desexed at a young age. That said, some breeds may be more prone to these risks than others, and desexing later in development can mitigate the risk for the affected breeds.

And, for dogs in the brachycephalic breed group, desexing poses another challenge: anesthesia. Because these dogs are prone to respiratory problems, anesthesia can pose unique challenges for the desexing procedure. Dog Owners of flat-nosed dogs will need to discuss the risks of putting their dog under anesthesia with a trusted vet.

Finally, another health risk associated with desexing dogs is weight gain. This is due to the changes in hormones after desexing which lead to a decrease in exercise. Luckily, there are plenty of specialised diets available for desexed dogs. And a slight increase in exercise can help, as well!

What age is appropriate for desexing dogs?

For the past few decades, the accepted age to desex all dogs was between five and six months old, or just at the beginning of doggy teenagerdom.

But, recent research has muddied the waters a bit. On one side, experts suggest that early desexing, between two and four months old, is safe. This would certainly be an advantage for animal shelters who want their puppies to be adopted after being desexed.

On the other side, there is some research to show that desexing dogs too early can increase those risks we mentioned in the previous section. They suggest that some dog breeds specifically, such as German Shepherds, be desexed after the one year mark.

To find the most appropriate desexing age for your dog, make sure to talk with your vet.

Does pet insurance cover desexing dogs?

If you’re considering desexing your dog, an important consideration is whether the procedure will be covered by your pet insurance.

Of course, not all pet insurance is the same. Some insurers cover part or all of the procedure while others consider desexing to be an elective surgery not eligible for coverage.

Make sure that you review your pet insurance plan so that you can better anticipate the cost of desexing.

What is the medical procedure from preparation to recovery?

Here, too, your vet will be able to give you information on how exactly they want you to prep your dog and care for them after their surgery. But, here are a few things you might expect from start to finish:

• Your dog will need to fast before the surgery. Some vets suggest that you stop feeding your dog food or treats after their last meal the night before. Others say after midnight, especially if the procedure is scheduled later in the day. 

• Upon arrival at the vet, they may have a blood test. A blood test may be administered by your vet to ensure that there will be no complications with the anesthesia.

• When the vet is ready to begin, your dog will be intubated and given anesthesia. At this point, it’s time to sing your dog a lullaby and leave the vet to do their work! Once your dog has been given anesthesia, they will be unconscious within a few minutes.

• The procedure itself can be very quick, about fifteen to twenty minutes. Desexing dogs is a simple, straight-forward procedure that can last a matter of minutes. Spaying females can take slightly longer than neutering males.

• Your dog will need some special care when coming off of anesthesia. It can be difficult to predict how your dog will react to regaining consciousness after anesthesia. Some dogs cry and whine, while others can lash out unexpectedly. It’s recommended that you give your dog a comfortable, quiet place to recover and that you stay with them to make them feel relaxed. 

• You’ll want to take things easy for the next ten days. While your puppy may be back on their feet in no time, it can take up to ten days for the desexing wound to heal. During this time, it’s recommended not to engage in high-energy activities like running. Long walks are going to be better for recovery.

Is desexing right for your dog?

In this article, we’ve covered the pros and cons of desexing dogs, what you should know about pet coverage, and the ins and outs of the procedure itself.

In general, desexing is considered a safe, standard procedure with compelling advantages for the individual dog and larger community. As always, your vet is the leading expert in desexing dogs, so don’t hesitate to discuss with them whether this procedure is right for your dog!

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