“Desexing can support both long-term health and behaviour, but timing should be based on the individual pet.”
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10 months? 14 weeks? Or 4 months?
Are you having difficulty deciding when to desex your pet?
There are so many different factors to take into consideration when determining the right time to desex, including your pets breed, size, weight and current health.
Which is why it’s important to talk to your local vet about what is right for your pet.
What are the benefits of getting your pet desexed?
Aside from the most obvious advantage, which is the prevention of accidental pregnancy, there are many other benefits to desexing your pet.
Desexing your pet can help prevent certain illnesses, such as mammary cancer and uterine infections in females and prostate problems in males.
From a behavioural perspective, desexing can reduce roaming, aggression and urine marking in males and prevent mating behaviour and false pregnancy in females. By reducing the desire to roam, you are also reducing the risk of your cat being hit by a car.
And there is also a financial saving when you desex your pet, as local councils charge less for registration of desexed pets.
What is involved in the desexing process?
Have you ever wondered what processes are involved when getting your pet desexed?
Desexing is a safe and simple surgery performed under general anesthesia in a veterinary surgery.
Desexing of females is also known as spaying. It usually involves removing both the ovaries and uterus, sometimes only the ovaries are removed.
Desexing of males is also called as castration or neutering and it involves the removal of both testicles.
As with all surgery, there will be some tenderness immediately after the procedure, but most pets will recover very quickly. However, If you have any concerns or questions talk to your Vet prior to the surgery.
What can you expect post surgery?
Your dog may be eager to jump in the water or your cat may be itching to chase the mouse pestering the house post surgery….it’s important to keep a close eye on them!
Make sure to avoid over-exercising your pet and try to keep your dog or cat from licking the stitched area. It’s important to keep the wound clean to prevent sinister infections from growing.
Complications are not common, however if your pet pulls the sutures out, if you notice any swelling and inflammation around the incision or signs your animal is in pain, be sure to contact your local vet.
“Even routine procedures require careful planning, assessment and post-surgical care.”
At what age should you desex your pet?
The most common age recommended to desex your cat is around 5-6 months old.
Historically it was similar with dogs, however, now we are understanding there may be some benefits to delaying desexing in the medium to large breed dogs which may include improved behaviour, decreased risks of some orthopaedic conditions and decreased risks of some cancers.
Pets can be desexed as early as 12 weeks which can cause some issues later on.
Studies performed by the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association indicate early desexing can cause long term issues such as:
- Joint Problems
- Incontinence
- Hip dysplasia
Our recommendation is to desex your pet when they are slightly older so they are ready for the surgery and can avoid issues later on in life.
Is your pet ready to be desexed?
Before any surgery doctors are required to outline the risks of an operation so their patients can make an informed decision…veterinarians have the same responsibility to pet owners!
When putting any animal under surgery there is always a risk of a reaction to the anesthetic. We encourage owners to only go through with the surgery if your pet is healthy so they will have a quick recovery.
Like humans every pet is different, so contact us to find out if your pet is ready to be desexed.
Key Takeaways
- The right age to desex varies between pets
Factors such as breed, size, and overall health all influence when desexing is most appropriate. - Desexing supports long-term health and behaviour
It can reduce the risk of certain medical conditions and help manage behaviours such as roaming and marking. - The procedure is routine but still requires care
Desexing is performed under general anaesthetic, and proper post-surgery monitoring supports recovery. - Veterinary guidance helps inform the decision
Discussing your pet’s individual needs with a vet ensures timing and approach are appropriate.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best age to desex a dog or cat?
The recommended age to desex a cat is typically around 5–6 months. For dogs, timing can vary depending on breed, size and development. Medium- to large-breed dogs may benefit from delaying the procedure, so individual assessment is important.
What are the health benefits of desexing a pet?
Desexing can help reduce the risk of conditions such as mammary cancer, uterine infections and prostate problems. It may also reduce behaviours like roaming and aggression. These benefits depend on the timing and the individual pet.
Is desexing a safe procedure for pets?
Desexing is a commonly performed surgery carried out under general anaesthesia. While it is considered routine, any surgical procedure still carries risks. Ensuring your pet is healthy beforehand supports a smoother recovery.
What should I expect after my pet’s desexing surgery?
After surgery, your pet may need rest and restricted activity to allow proper healing. It is important to prevent licking the wound and to monitor for signs of swelling or discomfort. If any concerns arise, veterinary advice should be sought.
Can desexing affect my pet’s behaviour?
Desexing can help reduce behaviours such as roaming, urine marking and mating-related behaviours. It may also lower the risk of certain unwanted behaviours over time. Behavioural outcomes can vary depending on the individual pet.
Why is it important to speak with a vet before desexing?
Every pet has different health, breed and developmental factors that influence the timing of desexing. A vet can assess your pet and help determine whether they are ready for surgery. This ensures the decision is based on their individual needs.