Your Ultimate Guide to Dog Desexing
Without a doubt, the most common question I get asked as a vet is should I desex my dog and if so when?
I get asked this by family, friends, clients and I have even been asked this question mid-football match by an opponent.
The answer is: It depends…
The decision should be made on an individual basis taking into account your pet’s breed and lifestyle as well your financial situation.
It is very important that you speak with a veterinarian, so that you can make an informed decision and make the right choice for your dog. This is best performed in a routine consultation.
Why should you consider desexing?
The benefits of desexing male dogs:
Prevents testicular cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Most studies show that desexing reduces aggressive behaviour towards humans and other dogs however there are some conflicting studies.
Reduces unwanted behaviours such as roaming and urine marking.
Reduces the likelihood of unwanted mounting behaviour if performed in very young male puppies.
Reduces the risk of perianal hernias, perianal adenomas, and prostatitis.
May increase life span. However there are many conflicting factors in the research so this is not clearcut.
The cons of desexing male dogs:
There is an increased risk of prostatic cancer.
There is an increased risk of obesity.
May slightly increase the risk of developing osteosarcomas and lymphoma.
In dachshunds, the risk of intervertebral disc disease is believed to be increased when they are desexed before 12 months of age.
In certain breeds, desexing puppies before 12 months of age is associated with increased likelihood of developing elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia and ACL rupture. These issues are even more likely to develop if desexing occurs before 6 months of age.
The benefits of desexing female dogs are:
Prevents pyometra and metritis (infection of the uterus), ovarian cancer and ovarian cysts, uterine cancer and unwanted pregnancies.
Reduced the risks of vaginal tumours.
Likely reduced the risk of developing mammary cancer however there are other factors at play such as the age in which desexing is performed as well as breed.
Stops them from going on heat, which prevents the bloody vaginal discharge that occurs in the proestrus stage. Note, this typically occurs twice per year in an entire female dog.
It prevents pseudopregnancy.
It may increase life span. However there are many conflicting factors in the research so this is not clearcut.
The cons of desexing female dogs are:
Increases the risk of urinary incontinence in some breeds.
The risk of obesity is increased.
There is a slight increased risk of developing some cancers (Lymphoma, Transitional Cell Carcinoma, Hemangiosarcoma and Osteosarcoma)
In certain breeds, desexing puppies before 12 months of age is associated with increased likelihood of developing elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia and ACL rupture. These issues are even more likely to develop if desexing occurs before 6 months of age.
What does recovery look like?
The procedure involves a day stay with discharge that afternoon/early evening. All of our patients receive take home pain relief. This is only required for a short period of time - typically two or three days.
Dogs should be strictly rested for 1 week post operatively. An E-Collar may be required if your pet licks or chews at the wound. If required, this should remain on for at least 7 days post operatively.
Is there a chance they could still get pregnant?
No, when the procedure is performed correctly, female dogs can not get pregnant following a spey.
Male dogs often remain fertile for up to 3 weeks post surgery, however, in rare cases they can impregnate a female dog up to 6 weeks post neutering.
Would you like to discuss desexing your dog?
You can find out more about our desexing services below. Get in touch with our team today to get a date in the diary for your dogs.
Author: Dr Andrew Nicholls DVM