The basics of desexing

Desexing is one of the most common procedures dogs undergo, and if you've adopted a rescue dog there's a good chance it has already been done.

There are good reasons for it. Desexing prevents accidental litters and can have health and behavioural benefits for some dogs. It also plays an important role in rescue by reducing the number of unwanted dogs needing homes.

If you're wondering what the procedure actually involves, when it should happen or what to expect afterwards, here's a good place to start.

What is desexing?

Desexing is a surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian that permanently prevents a dog from reproducing.

For female dogs, desexing usually involves removing the ovaries and typically the uterus. You might hear this called spaying.

For male dogs, the testicles are removed. This is known as castration or neutering.

Both procedures are performed under general anaesthetic. Desexing is a very common veterinary surgery, and most dogs are able to go home the same day.

Why desex your dog?

The most obvious reason is to prevent an unplanned litter.

Dogs can reproduce once they reach sexual maturity, and pregnancy can happen following a relatively brief opportunity for an undesexed male and female dog to mate.

For rescue organisations, preventing unwanted breeding is particularly important. Every year, dogs find themselves in pounds, shelters and rescue care needing new homes. Preventing accidental litters helps reduce the number of additional dogs entering that system.

There can also be health benefits for the individual dog.

In females, traditional desexing removes the risk of diseases affecting the ovaries and uterus, including pyometra, a potentially life-threatening infection of the uterus.

In males, removing the testicles eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and can reduce the risk of some other reproductive conditions.

Desexing can also affect behaviours influenced by reproductive hormones. Some male dogs may be less likely to roam in search of a mate after desexing, for example.

It is worth remembering that desexing isn't a cure for every behavioural issue. Things such as anxiety, reactivity, fear and learned behaviours can have much more complicated causes. If you're having trouble with your dog's behaviour, speak to your vet or a suitably qualified dog behaviour professional rather than assuming desexing will solve it.

When should a dog be desexed?

This is one of those questions where there isn't a single answer for every dog.

You may have heard that dogs should be desexed at six months old. While this has traditionally been a common recommendation, veterinary advice has become more individualised as research into the effects of desexing at different ages has developed.

The best timing can depend on factors including your dog's breed, expected adult size, sex, health and individual circumstances.

There are advantages to desexing before a dog reaches sexual maturity, including preventing an accidental pregnancy. There is also research suggesting that the timing of desexing may influence the risk of certain orthopaedic conditions and other health outcomes in some dogs, particularly when considering different breeds and sexes.

Your vet is the best person to help you decide when your individual dog should be desexed. They can weigh up the benefits and risks based on the dog in front of them rather than relying on a particular age for every dog.

What happens on the day?

Your veterinary clinic will give you instructions before surgery, including when your dog needs to stop eating before their anaesthetic.

When you arrive, the veterinary team will usually perform a health check before preparing your dog for surgery. Your dog will be given a general anaesthetic, which means they'll be unconscious and won't feel the operation while it is being performed.

The surgery itself differs between males and females. Desexing a female dog involves abdominal surgery, while castration in a male is generally a less invasive procedure.

Your dog will be monitored as they wake from the anaesthetic and, in most routine cases, will be able to come home later that day.

Your vet will explain any medications they need and give you instructions for the next stage: keeping them quiet while they recover.

What is recovery like?

The hardest part of recovery for many owners is convincing their dog that they've just had surgery.

A dog who feels better after a day or two may be very keen to run, jump and get back to normal, even though their surgical wound still needs time to heal.

Your vet will tell you how long your dog's activity should be restricted. During this period, exercise will generally need to be kept gentle and controlled. That may mean short lead walks and avoiding running, rough play and jumping.

You'll also need to stop your dog licking or chewing the surgical site. Depending on your dog and your vet's recommendation, this might mean wearing an Elizabethan collar, commonly known as a cone, or a surgical recovery suit.

Check the wound regularly and follow the aftercare instructions provided by your clinic.

Contact your vet if you're concerned about your dog's recovery, particularly if you notice changes around the wound, your dog seems unusually unwell or painful, or something simply doesn't seem right.

Will desexing change my dog's personality?

Your dog's basic personality isn't expected to disappear because they've been desexed.

If they're affectionate, playful, cheeky or obsessed with carrying a particular toy around the house, you can expect them to still be themselves.

You may notice changes in behaviours that are strongly influenced by reproductive hormones. In some dogs this can include roaming, mounting or certain forms of marking.

Behaviour is complicated, though. Genetics, early experiences, training, environment and health can all influence the way a dog behaves.

Desexing should never be treated as a substitute for training or behavioural support where those are needed.

Is desexing compulsory in Victoria?

There isn't a blanket Victorian law requiring every dog to be desexed.

Local councils can have their own requirements, however, so dog owners should check the rules that apply where they live.

Desexing can also reduce the cost of registering your dog with your local council in Victoria.

Regardless of the legal requirements, preventing unwanted breeding is an important part of responsible dog ownership.

What about dogs adopted from Starting Over Dog Rescue?

Every dog adopted through Starting Over Dog Rescue is desexed, microchipped and up to date with their vaccinations before adoption.

The cost of this veterinary care is one of the things your adoption fee helps to cover.

For dogs coming through rescue, desexing also gives us certainty that they won't go on to produce an accidental litter after adoption. With so many dogs already needing foster carers and permanent homes, that's an important part of the work we do.

Talk to your vet

There is plenty of general information available about desexing, but decisions about veterinary care should take your individual dog into account.

If you have a puppy or an undesexed adult dog, have a conversation with your vet about the right approach and timing. They can consider your dog's breed, age, sex, health and lifestyle and give you advice that is specific to them.