Desexing your Pet

Helping Your Pet Live a Healthier, Happier Life

Desexing is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in veterinary medicine. It provides permanent contraception and offers a range of health, behavioural and community benefits.

At Bohle Veterinary Surgery, we recognise that every pet is different. The ideal timing for desexing depends on your pet's species, breed, size, age, lifestyle and overall health. We'll discuss the benefits and considerations with you to help determine the most appropriate plan for your individual pet.

What Is Desexing?

Desexing is a surgical procedure that prevents your pet from reproducing.

The procedures include:

  • Female dogs and cats (Spey): Removal of the ovaries and uterus (or ovaries, depending on the surgical technique).
  • Male dogs and cats (Castration): Removal of both testicles.

The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic with modern pain relief to keep your pet as comfortable as possible before, during and after surgery.

Benefits of Desexing

Desexing provides many health and lifestyle benefits.

Health Benefits

Depending on your pet and the age at which they are desexed, benefits may include:

  • Prevention of unwanted pregnancies
  • Elimination of uterine infections (pyometra)
  • Prevention of ovarian and testicular disease
  • Reduced risk of some mammary tumours when performed before or early in life
  • Reduced risk of benign prostate disease in male dogs
  • Prevention of many reproductive emergencies

Behavioural Benefits

Desexing may also help reduce behaviours influenced by reproductive hormones, including:

  • Roaming
  • Urine marking
  • Calling in female cats
  • Fighting between male cats
  • Some hormone-related aggression
  • Unwanted mating behaviours

Desexing is not a substitute for training, and not all behavioural issues are hormone related.

When Should My Pet Be Desexed?

There is no single "best age" for every pet.

The ideal timing depends on factors such as:

  • Species
  • Breed
  • Adult size
  • Sex
  • Lifestyle
  • Behaviour
  • Future breeding intentions
  • Existing health conditions

Dogs

For many dogs, desexing is commonly performed around six months of age. However, for some large and giant breeds, delaying surgery until they are more physically mature may provide benefits for joint development. We'll discuss the most appropriate timing based on your dog's individual needs and the latest evidence.

Cats

Cats can become sexually mature from around four months of age. Early desexing helps prevent unwanted litters, reduces roaming and spraying behaviours, and offers important health and welfare benefits.

Preparing for Surgery

Before your pet's procedure we recommend:

  • A pre-operative health examination
  • Pre-anaesthetic blood testing where appropriate
  • Following fasting instructions provided by our team
  • Continuing medications only if advised
  • Ensuring your pet is clean and dry before admission

We'll discuss everything you need to know before surgery.

The Day of Surgery

Your pet will receive:

  • A full physical examination
  • Individual anaesthetic assessment
  • Modern anaesthesia
  • Intravenous fluids where indicated
  • Advanced patient monitoring
  • Multimodal pain relief
  • Warmth throughout the procedure
  • Careful recovery monitoring by our veterinary nurses

Our team closely monitors every patient from admission until they are safely awake and ready to go home.

Caring for Your Pet at Home

Most pets recover quickly after desexing.

For the first 10–14 days we recommend:

  • Keeping activity restricted
  • Preventing running, jumping and rough play
  • Keeping the surgical wound clean and dry
  • Preventing licking by using an Elizabethan collar or recovery suit if required
  • Giving all medications exactly as directed
  • Monitoring the incision daily for swelling, discharge or redness

We'll arrange a post-operative check to ensure your pet is healing well.

Will My Pet Gain Weight?

Desexing can reduce your pet's energy requirements, meaning they may gain weight if their diet and exercise are not adjusted.

Maintaining a healthy weight is simple with:

  • Appropriate portion control
  • A balanced diet
  • Regular exercise
  • Routine weight checks

Our team can recommend the most suitable diet and feeding plan after surgery.

Does Desexing Change My Pet's Personality?

No. Desexing does not change your pet's personality or affection towards your family.

Many pets remain just as playful, loving and active after surgery. Hormone-driven behaviours may reduce, but your pet's individual personality remains the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my pet need pain relief?

Yes. We provide pain relief during surgery and prescribe ongoing medication where required to keep your pet comfortable during recovery.

Is desexing safe?

Desexing is one of the most commonly performed veterinary procedures. Although every anaesthetic carries some risk, we minimise this through careful patient assessment, modern anaesthetic protocols, monitoring and pain management.

Can my female pet be desexed after having a litter?

Yes. Once she has finished nursing and recovered fully, desexing can usually be performed. We'll recommend the most appropriate timing.

Should my female have one litter before being desexed?

No. There is no medical benefit to allowing a female dog or cat to have a litter before being desexed.

What if I plan to breed my pet?

If you're considering breeding, we recommend booking a pre-breeding consultation. We'll discuss health screening, genetic testing, reproductive health and responsible breeding practices before making any decisions.

We're Here to Help

Desexing is an important part of preventative healthcare and responsible pet ownership. Whether you've welcomed a new puppy or kitten or are considering desexing an older pet, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process.

We'll help you determine the most appropriate timing for your pet, explain the procedure in detail and provide personalised aftercare advice to ensure a smooth recovery.

If you have questions about desexing or would like to book your pet's procedure, contact Bohle Veterinary Surgery today. We're here to help your pet enjoy a long, healthy and happy life.