The Importance of desexing!

Desexing, also known as spaying or neutering, is a crucial surgical procedure for companion animals like cats and dogs. According to New Zealand legislation, desexing must be performed by a qualified veterinarian or under their supervision by a veterinary student. This procedure involves the surgical removal of part of the animal's reproductive system to prevent breeding and the birth of unwanted litters. The question often arises: Should I desex my companion animal? The answer is a resounding yes! Desexing is advocated by organizations like the SPCA as a means of population control and for the welfare of the animals. It's recommended for all companion cats, dogs, before selling or rehoming them, except registered breeding animals.

But when should desexing occur? The SPCA supports pre-pubertal desexing, meaning before the animal reaches puberty and becomes capable of reproducing. This recommendation applies to cats and dogs, in line with veterinary advice. Desexing offers numerous benefits beyond preventing breeding. It can lead to behavioral changes, such as reduced roaming and aggression, and eliminates the risk of certain health issues like uterine infections and cancers. Additionally, desexed animals generally live longer, healthier, and happier lives.

Financial constraints can be a barrier to desexing for some pet owners. However, there are initiatives, including lower-cost desexing services, aimed at making this procedure accessible to all. Organizations like the SPCA often provide information about such services on their platforms. In the realm of pet care, the timing of desexing procedures for cats and dogs has long been a subject of debate and scrutiny. Historically, cats and dogs were typically desexed around 6 months of age, a practice aimed at allowing them to develop physically while preventing the onset of their first heat cycle. However, as with all long-standing policies, this traditional timing has undergone reevaluation in recent years, prompting a closer examination of its impact on the animals' well-being.

Traditionally, the prevailing thought was to allow pets to mature physically before desexing, but concerns about the timing arose due to variations in the timing of the first heat cycle among species and breeds. According to Dr. Rosalind Holland (BVSc), it's advisable to desex cats before they reach puberty, ideally by four months of age. Many cats undergo desexing as early as eight weeks old without any known negative effects. The Code of Welfare for Companion Cats also emphasizes desexing before puberty, which typically occurs between five and seven months. The SPCA advocates for pre-pubertal desexing to minimize stress and discomfort for the cat (SPCA, 2024). However, in rare cases, a vet may advise delaying desexing due to medical reasons. It's crucial to follow your vet's recommendation if they suggest postponing surgery. Additionally, considering your cat's size is important; while traditional recommendations suggest desexing at 5 to 6 months, kittens can safely undergo the procedure once they reach 1kg, usually around 8-12 weeks old, with early age desexing offering multiple benefits.

Traditionally, for small to medium dogs, desexing has been recommended at 5-6 months, but the recommendation varies for large breed dogs. It's advisable to consult with our veterinarians regarding the optimal age for desexing your dog if they weigh more than 15kg (Auckland Pet Hospital, 2024).

Furthermore, we are actively working towards expanding our efforts to offer desexing services to the community. We understand the importance of accessibility to desexing services and are dedicated to making this vital procedure more readily available to pet owners. We encourage you to check back for updates on our desexing initiatives and to join us in our mission to promote responsible pet ownership and improve the lives of companion animals in our community. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our furry friends.

References: SPCA New Zealand. (n.d.). Desexing Your Companion Animals Saves Lives. Retrieved from https://www.spca.nz/advice-and-welfare/article/desexing-your-companion-animals-saves-lives

Auckland Pet Hospital. (2024). [https://aucklandpethospital.co.nz/vet-service/desexing-dog/].