Onewa Road Veterinary Hospital Ltd
Independent, locally owned and operated veterinary care for the North Shore and Central Auckland.
Also known as neutering, desexing is a common surgical procedure performed daily by veterinarians to remove an animal's reproductive organs or ability. Often referred to as a neuter or spay, in males the typical procedure is called castration, and in females, it is spaying.
Neutered dogs and cats will not go on heat, have periods or the desire to mate, nor become pregnant.
Castrating males involves the removal of the testicles, whilst spaying females involves the removal of the ovaries or ovaries and uterus.
Surgery for females is more complex so it requires a longer anesthetic and longer surgery time. For this reason, recovery from surgery is generally slower for females than for males. Once at home, you will need to look out for signs of infection after neutering and for the first night keep them quiet and prevent them from playing, climbing stairs, and running. Most are back to normal within 24 hours of surgery.
It is likely female cats, female and male dogs will need to wear a cone after neutering to prevent them from pulling out their stitches. How long they should wear the cone for will depend on their temperament, but usually at least a week. Stitches are then removed 10-14 days after surgery.
Desexing before puberty is usually recommended for both cats and dogs. It is ideal to have females spayed before her first heat cycle, at 5 to 6 months of age. For males, it can be done as soon as the testicles descend into the scrotum, usually 4 to 6 months of age.
Many kittens and puppies from rescue shelters are neutered at an earlier age, prior to being adopted.
For some dogs, the best age for neutering may depend on other factors such as breed, genetic predisposition, or body size. Some breeds like Labradors, Golden Retreivers, Rottweilers, desexing after puberty (first heat) may have some benefits. Please discuss with us what is right for your dog.
An unwanted pregnancy and resulting kittens and puppies to care for, and find homes for, are obvious signs. Also, overly aggressive dogs or wandering cats can be calmed down and benefit from desexing.
What are the behavioural benefits of spaying a cat? How does neutering affect a male dog? There are many health and welfare benefits of desexing cats and dogs including:
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. Whilst low, these may include anaesthetic complications, infection, or bleeding. Other cons against desexing include:
The pros and cons of desexing cats and dogs can be debated, but the overwhelming pros of birth control and behaviour improvements outweigh any potential cons.
Please contact us to discuss desexing your pet to understand the cost, benefits, and risks.
The above information is provided as an educational guide only and is not a substitute for advice from your pet’s healthcare professionals. If your pet’s symptoms continue, you are concerned about them, or want further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Royal Canin Maxi Adult is suitable for large dogs from 26 to 44kg over 15 months old.
Royal Canin Maxi Adult Gravy is suitable for all large dogs from 26kg to 44kg. From 15 months to 8 years old.
Royal Canin Maxi Ageing 8+ is suitable for large dogs from 26 to 44kg over 8 years old.
Royal Canin Maxi Ageing 8+ Gravy for all large dogs from 26kg to 44kg. Over 8 years old.
Royal Canin Supports the health of your dog by providing precise nutrition based on a true understanding of the dog's specific needs and over 50 years of science and observation.
Royal Canin Maxi Joint Care is formulated for dogs prone to joint sensitivity and eases movement.
Royal Canin Maxi Light Weight Care for dogs prone to weight gain.
ROYAL CANIN® Maxi Puppy is recommended for large breed puppies from 2 - 15 months.
ROYAL CANIN® Maxi Starter Mother and Babydog is recommended for bitches during gestation and lactation and large breed puppies with a projected adult weight of 25-44kg from weaning - 2 months.
Royal Canin Medium Adult 7+ is suitable for medium dogs from 11 to 25kg over 7 years old.
Royal Canin Medium Adult is suitable for medium dogs from 11 to 25kg over 12 months old.
Royal Canin Medium Adult Gravy is suitable for all medium dogs from 11kg to 25kg. From 12 months to 10 years old.
Royal Canin Medium Ageing 10+ for medium dogs from 11 to 25 kg over 10 years old.
Royal Canin Medium Ageing 10+ Gravy is suitable for all medium dogs from 11kg to 25kg. Over 10 years old.
Royal Canin Medium Dental Care can reduce tartar formation for dogs prone to dental sensitivities.
Royal Canin Medium Dermacomfort complete feed for dogs - For adult and mature medium breed dogs (from 11 to 25 kg) - Over 12 months old - Dogs prone to skin irritation and itching.
Royal Canin Medium Light Weight Care for medium breed dogs (11-25kg) prone to weight gain.
Royal Canin Medium Relax Care formulated with specific nutrients to support medium breed dogs (11-25kg) in a changeable environment.
Royal Canin Mini Adult 8+ is suitable for small dogs up to 10kgs over 8 years old. Ideal for mix feeding with Mini Mature +8 wet diet.
Royal Canin Mini Adult is suitable for small dogs up to 10kg over 10 months old.
Royal Canin Mini Adult Gravy is suitable for all small dogs up to 10kg. From 10 months to 12 years old.
Royal Canin Mini Ageing +12 complete feed for dogs - For senior small breed dogs (adult weight up to 10 kg) Over 12 years old.
Royal Canin Mini Ageing 12 Gravy is suitable for all small dogs up to 10kg. Over 12 years old.
Royal Canin Mini Dental Care can reduce tartar formation for dogs prone to dental sensitivities.
Royal Canin Mini Dermacomfort with reduced allergen formula for dogs prone to skin irritation and itching.
Royal Canin Mini Digestive Care is suitable for adult dogs (1-10kg) prone to digestive sensitivity.
Royal Canin Mini Exigent helps satisfy a fussy appetite for small adult dogs (1-10kg).
Royal Canin Mini Light Weight Care for small breed dogs (1-10kg) with tendency to gain weight.
Royal Canin Mini Relax Care formulated with specific nutrients to support small breed dogs (1-10kg) in a changeable environment.
Royal Canin Schnauzer complete feed for dogs - Specially for adult and mature Miniature Schnauzers - Over 10 months old.
Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer Puppy is for puppies up to 10 months old.
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Royal Canin Persian Kitten is suitable for kittens up to 12 months old
Royal Canin Poodle complete feed for dogs - Specially for adult and mature Poodles - Over 10 months old.
Royal Canin Poodle Puppy is for puppies up to 10 months old.
Royal Canin Pug complete feed for dogs - Specially for adult and mature Pugs - Over 10 months old.
Royal Canin Pug Puppy for puppies up to 10 months old.
Scientifically proven to support puppies during the colostrum stage and the milk stage until weaning.
Royal Canin Ragdoll balanced and complete feed for adult cats - Specially for Ragdoll cats - Over 12 months old.
Royal Canin Fit for moderately active, adult cats (1-7yrs old) with access to the outdoors.
For cats with sensitive digestive systems from 1 to 7 years old.
Royal Canin Relax Care formulated with specific nutrients to support dogs in a changeable environment.
Royal Canin Rottweiler complete feed for dogs Specially for adult Rottweilers - Over 18 months old.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. It is not intended as medical or health advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who understands your pet's individual needs.