We've gathered answers to some of the most common questions about desexing, including the benefits, what to expect and some of the myths surrounding the procedure.
Desexing, also referred to as neutering, spaying or sterilisation, is an important decision for pet owners.
For female dogs, desexing involves removing the ovaries and uterus. Male dogs are neutered by removing both testicles.
Desexing is one of the most effective ways we can reduce the number of unwanted dogs and puppies in New Zealand.
Rescues and shelters are overwhelmed and there aren't enough homes for every dog. Desexing helps break the cycle before unwanted puppies are born.
There is a lot of misinformation about desexing. Here are some of the questions and myths we hear most often.
There is no evidence that female dogs benefit from having a litter before being desexed.
Having a litter adds to the number of puppies needing homes. Pregnancy and birth can also involve serious complications, which can be expensive or even fatal for the mother or puppies.
Puppies need to remain with their mother until at least 8 weeks old and require feeding, worming, flea treatment and microchipping before finding homes.
Desexing provides a range of health and welfare benefits. It prevents unwanted pregnancies and can reduce the risk of certain cancers and infections.
In female dogs, desexing prevents pyometra, a potentially life-threatening uterine infection.
Male dogs can benefit from a reduced risk of prostate disease and certain cancers.
Desexing can influence behaviours driven by hormones. It may reduce roaming, urine marking, mating behaviours and some forms of aggression in male dogs.
Reducing roaming can also reduce the risk of your dog being injured, lost or becoming involved in fights.
Desexing does not change your dog's entire personality or remove their normal behaviour.
Hormonal changes can slightly affect metabolism, but desexing itself does not automatically cause weight gain.
A healthy weight can be maintained with appropriate feeding and regular exercise.
Guarding behaviour is instinctive and is not removed by desexing.
A desexed male dog may actually be less likely to wander away in search of a mate, helping them stay safe while continuing their normal guarding behaviour.
Dogs do not experience the same feelings about mating that humans do.
Desexing removes mating behaviours and can make dogs less likely to roam or escape in search of a mate.
While desexing has an upfront cost, it can help prevent future expenses associated with unwanted litters, pregnancy complications and emergency veterinary care.
If cost is a concern, The Best Dog Trust may be able to help through our community desexing programme.
Find out about our programme →Desexing is a commonly performed veterinary procedure and is recommended by veterinary professionals.
Like any surgery, there are risks. Dogs are examined before anaesthesia and monitored throughout the procedure. Pain relief is provided before and after surgery.
Your vet will provide specific advice about the procedure, risks and recovery for your individual dog.
Your dog will be examined before anaesthesia to make sure they are fit and healthy for the procedure.
During surgery, your dog is under anaesthetic and monitored by the veterinary team.
Pain relief is provided before and after surgery, and your dog will generally go home with medication for the first few days of recovery.
Recovery varies depending on your dog's size and health. Female dogs generally need around 10–14 days, while male dogs can recover in around 3–7 days.
Always follow the specific post-surgery instructions provided by your vet.
Around 6 months is a common age for desexing, although the appropriate timing can depend on the individual dog.
For The Best Dog Trust community desexing programme, dogs must be at least 5 months old to qualify.
Older dogs can still benefit from being desexed. Adult and senior dogs may have reduced risks of certain cancers and infections following desexing.
Desexing prevents false pregnancies in female dogs.
Female dogs no longer experience heat cycles.
Dogs may be less likely to roam in search of mates.
The Best Dog Trust offers low-cost and, where eligible, free desexing support for owners facing financial hardship across Whangārei, Kaipara and Wellsford.
A microchip gives your dog the best chance of being reunited with you if they become lost or stolen.
Read our microchip FAQs