Desexing for male dogs

 

Male dogs are usually desexed at 4-6 months of age, however it can be done later in life. Desexing in the male dog involves completely removing the testes. A desexed dog cannot father puppies and the absence of the hormone testosterone will influence some behaviours.   

 

The absence of testosterone will:

•        Reduce aggression (potentially towards people and animals);

•        Reduce the urge to escape or wander looking for a mate. Roaming can cause a lot of stress for the pet’s family. It can also result in pet injury (most commonly from                  traffic accidents and fighting with other animals). Roaming animals can also incur hefty council fines;

•        Reduced urge to "mount" people's legs;

•        Reduce the risk of getting cancer or other diseases of the reproductive organs. Entire male dogs may develop testicular cancer and prostate disorders including cysts,          infection and enlargement.

 

(The influence desexing has on behavior may not be as great in animals desexed at an older age because behavious performed over a long period of time become a habit).

 

Cost benefits and ethical reasons to desex include:

•        Reduced potential costs associated with injury through wandering, fighting and traffic accidents;

•        Council registration is in most cases cheaper for desexed animals;

•        Not contributing to the unwanted puppy problem (remember there are already thousands of animals without homes in animal shelters across Australia).

 

Feeding:

•        Desexing does result in a reduced energy requirement. As with any animal, if they are fed more than they require they are at risk of becoming overweight. Desexed                dogs require less food than undesexed dogs and therefore their diet needs to be adjusted accordingly.

 

Desexing is a day procedure that we perform routinely under a general anaesthetic. Your pet does need to be fasted prior to the surgery and will have stitches for 10-14 days after. We provide a pain relief injection at the time of the surgery. To discuss desexing further or to make an appointment please call us.