If you’re concerned that surgical desexing will transform your puppy’s personality, we have some good news.
What is desexing?
Desexing your puppy involves the removal of their reproductive system. Don’t panic – they will be under general anaesthetic while the procedure is performed and will be back to their energetic selves within a few days. In females, the procedure is also known as spaying and involves the removal of the ovaries and almost always the uterus. In males, it is known as neutering and entails the removal of their testicles.
What are the medical benefits of desexing my puppy?
There are many health and medical benefits to desexing your puppy. Desexing in females (or spaying) reduces the risk of mammary tumours and eliminates the risk of ovarian, uterine and cervical tumours. In males, desexing (or neutering) reduces the risk of prostatic diseases and perianal tumours, and eliminates the risk of testicular cancers.
Is desexing safe?
“Like all procedures involving general anaesthesia, desexing carries a very small risk to patient safety,” says Dr Gareth Moss of Greencross Vets Ku-ring-gai. “These risks are mitigated in Greencross Vets by a number of measures, including strict anaesthesia monitoring using up-to-date technology and trained nursing staff, thorough pre-anaesthesia examination and blood testing. With these steps taken, desexing is considered to be a very safe procedure.” And if it quells your fears even slightly, just bear in mind that spay and neuter surgeries are the most commonly performed of all animal surgeries.
Will desexing my puppy change their personality?
If you’re concerned that surgical desexing will transform your puppy’s personality, we have some good news! It’s a commonly held belief that desexing a puppy changes its personality. This is a myth. While your puppy’s personality remains completely intact after a sterilisation procedure, desexing eliminates many behaviours that you won’t want them to display. For instance, sterilised males are less likely to roam, fight or urine mark, while spayed females don’t experience hormone fluctuations and won’t fall pregnant.
What age should I get my puppy desexed?
Depending on the breed, desexing can be performed any time from about six months of age (or as recommended by your vet). However, it’s worth noting that there are numerous benefits of the procedure being carried out at a young age, such as reduced recovery times from anaesthesia and wound healing.
How should I care for my puppy after desexing?
Your pet will likely feel a little discomfort in the days after the surgery, and will be prescribed pain medication. It shouldn’t take long for your pet to recover, and they will have their stitches removed about 10 days after the operation. They’ll be back to their normal energetic selves very soon.
Book in a consultation to discuss desexing your puppy at your local Greencross Vets today.
