Desexing Your Pet: What to Expect Before, During & After

Desexing — also called spaying (females) or neutering/castrating (males) — is one of the most important health decisions you'll make for your pet. It's also one of the most common procedures we perform, and for good reason.

Why Desex Your Pet?

• Prevents unwanted pregnancies and reduces the number of animals in shelters
• Eliminates the risk of uterine infections (pyometra) — a life-threatening emergency in undesexed females
• Dramatically reduces the risk of mammary (breast) cancer in females desexed before their first season
• Eliminates testicular cancer in males
• Reduces roaming, marking, and some forms of aggression in males
• Prevents the stress of seasons in female cats and dogs

When Should You Desex?

For cats and small to medium dogs, we generally recommend desexing between 5 and 6 months of age — before the first season. For large and giant breed dogs, there is growing evidence that waiting until 12–18 months may benefit musculoskeletal development. We'll discuss the best timing for your specific pet at their consultation.

What Happens on the Day?

1. 1Drop-off: Bring your pet in the morning, fasted from midnight (water is fine). We'll do a pre-anaesthetic check and answer any last questions.
2. 2Pre-medication: A sedative and pain relief are given to relax your pet and ensure they're comfortable throughout.
3. 3Anaesthesia: Your pet is placed under general anaesthesia and monitored continuously by our nursing team.
4. 4Surgery: The procedure takes 20–45 minutes depending on the animal and sex. Females take longer than males.
5. 5Recovery: Your pet wakes up in a warm, quiet recovery area with one-on-one nursing care.
6. 6Pick-up: Most pets go home the same afternoon, with pain relief and written aftercare instructions.

Post-Operative Care at Home

The first 24 hours are the most important. Your pet may be groggy, quiet, or slightly off their food — this is completely normal. Key things to watch for include:

• Keep them quiet and confined — no running, jumping, or playing for 10–14 days
• Check the incision site twice daily for redness, swelling, or discharge
• Prevent licking — use the provided e-collar (cone) or a recovery suit
• Give all prescribed pain relief as directed
• Return for a suture check at 10–14 days post-surgery

Will Desexing Change My Pet's Personality?

Desexing removes hormonally-driven behaviours — roaming, mounting, and some forms of marking — but it does not change your pet's fundamental personality. Their affection, playfulness, and bond with you will remain entirely intact. Some owners notice their pet becomes calmer and more focused on their family after desexing.