Because there are too many unwanted dogs. Over 200 000 are killed in Australia each year.
When should I de-sex him/her?
Dogs can be de-sexed from eight weeks of age; however, this will depend on the size of the animal and many other factors. Consult your vet.
Rescue Shelters de-sex their dogs prior to adoption.
Many dog pounds will no longer release dogs for adoption without first de-sexing them.
What is involved?
De-sexing takes place in the sterile environment of an operating theatre. The dog receives a general anaesthetic before the surgical procedure of de-sexing occurs.
Male dogs are castrated - this means both testicles are removed, so that there is no chance of sperm being produced in the future.
Female dogs are spayed - in this procedure, the ovaries and uterus are removed. The female will then not come into season and reproduce.
Pre-anaesthetic check up
Prior to general anaesthesia, the vet will check your dog’s heart and lung function and general health.
Pre-anaesthetic blood testing: This is done using in-clinic laboratory machines. Vital organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are evaluated.
Sometimes blood testing is factored into the cost of the operation, while other vets elect to make it optional, in which case an extra cost is incurred. It is recommended that you have your dog blood tested.
Intravenous fluid therapy: Intravenous fluids are administered during surgery, as blood pressure and body temperature can drop during anaesthesia. If this has not been included in the price of de-sexing, and is offered as an optional extra, it is recommended that you agree to it.
Many vets are now including pre-anaesthetic blood testing and intravenous fluid therapy in the cost of de-sexing as a safeguard.
What are the advantages of de-sexing?
De-sexing a male dog prevents some health problems such as testicular cancers, prostate gland problems and hormone-related tumours. It also removes the possibility of the dog wandering and reproducing with a fertile female, thus creating more unwanted puppies.
De-sexing a female dog eliminates some of the risk of uterine cancer, and may even help to prevent mammary cancer if the operation is performed before she first comes into season. Female dogs can produce scores of puppies in a lifetime.
De-sexing does not interfere with the character of your dog. However, it may make them less prone to wander and seek a breeding mate.
The Myth
‘I can’t de-sex my bitch until she's had her first litter, otherwise she won’t feel complete.’
The Reality
It is interesting to note that myth stops at this point. It doesn’t seem to take into consideration how the bitch might feel when her puppies have been killed because there were no homes for them. This is the reality of allowing your female dog to reproduce without thought for the welfare of her puppies.
If we can overcome this myth, dog pounds across Australia might contain only lost dogs, rather than unwanted ones.
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