{"id":2686,"date":"2016-03-21T09:21:08","date_gmt":"2016-03-21T09:21:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/?page_id=2686"},"modified":"2024-01-08T10:20:03","modified_gmt":"2024-01-08T10:20:03","slug":"why-you-should-desex-your-dog","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/caring-for-your-pet\/desexing\/why-you-should-desex-your-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"Why you should desex your dog"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\nWhen dogs are not desexed, unplanned breeding occurs\u2026 The result of the natural process of reproduction is often accidental and unwanted litters. These dogs usually end up in animal shelters.<\/p>\n

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Health benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n

After a dog undergoes desexing, it is less likely to contract possibly fatal illnesses such as breast cancer (yes, dogs get this), prostate cancer (this too), and uterine infections. In some cases, the level of testosterone in male dogs can cause the prostate to enlarge, resulting in problems with the dog\u2019s bowels and infection.<\/p>\n

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Behaviour benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n

Female dogs that have been desexed will refrain from showing mating behaviour. This means your dog will no longer desire to roam the streets to find a mate, stirring up havoc by running wild on the roads.<\/p>\n

\u00a0In male dogs, all the negative behaviours caused by hormones will also be reduced. This includes urinating in spots that they believe to be \u201ctheir territory\u201d and inappropriate mounting (which is a pretty embarrassing event during garden parties).<\/p>\n

No changes in behaviour and appetite<\/strong><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t listen to those old myths saying dogs become lethargic or lazy after desexing. Your dog\u2019s desire for activity will remain the same, and they\u2019ll be just as keen for their daily walk as ever.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>How old should your dog be for desexing?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dogs as young as eight weeks old can be desexed, however the procedure can also be performed for older dogs. Veterinarians have noticed that dogs desexed before they reach puberty at 6 months old tend to grow a bit larger than dogs that were desexed after they are 6 months old.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Despite this, veterinary professionals assure pet owners that their dogs will still exhibit the same positive effects of desexing no matter how old they are when the procedure is performed.<\/p>\n

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The desexing procedure<\/strong><\/p>\n

Neutering (for male dogs) and spaying (for female dogs) are surgical procedures performed under general anaesthesia, meaning the animals will feel no pain at all during the performance of the procedure. After the operation, most veterinarians will also prescribe analgesics for your dog so they will feel little to no discomfort.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Ok, get ready for the gory details\u2026 Close your eyes if you\u2019re squeamish!<\/p>\n

For female dogs, the operation involves an incision in the middle part of the abdomen and the complete removal of the uterus and ovaries. Doing so not only stops your dog from giving birth to unplanned litters, but will also prevent her from going into mating \u201cheat\u201d and attracting the unwanted attention of male dogs. The operation also prevents infections of the uterus in the future.<\/p>\n

\u00a0With male dogs, the vet will make an incision in the front area of the scrotum (we agree it sounds \u201couch\u201d but remember the dogs are under anaesthesia) for the complete removal of the animal\u2019s testes. Doing so effectively removes the source of the sperm, as well as the main source of testosterone which is notorious for fuelling bad behaviour in male dogs.<\/p>\n

The incisions are closed with stitches. For a speedy recovery, it is important that you prevent the dog from licking at the area or chewing out the stitches. Otherwise they\u2019ll end up having to be dragged to the vet again!<\/p>\n

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When dogs are not desexed, unplanned breeding occurs\u2026 The result of the natural process of reproduction is often accidental and unwanted litters. These dogs usually end up in animal shelters. \u00a0 Health benefits After a dog undergoes desexing, it is less likely to contract possibly fatal illnesses such as breast cancer (yes, dogs get this), … <\/p>\n

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