Last Updated: 04/06/2026
Desexing a Dog: What to Expect Before, During and After
Thinking about desexing your dog but not sure where to start? Our vets cover what the procedure involves for male and female dogs, typical costs in Australia, and what recovery looks like.
Author: Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 8 minutes - short read
Thinking about desexing your dog? The prospect of your beloved pet undergoing surgery can be understandably stressful. But with the right knowledge and preparation, you can ensure a smooth and successful experience for both you and your furry friend.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about your dog's desexing procedure - from pre-surgery preparations to post-operative care. If you have a cat, we also have a separate guide to desexing your cat.
What does the desexing procedure involve?
The term 'desexing' is a little misleading. Your dog will not lose their gender - they will remain male or female after the procedure. They will just be sterilised, meaning they cannot breed.
At most vet clinics, surgical sterilisation involves removal of the uterus and ovaries for females in a procedure called an ovariohysterectomy, and removal of the testes for males in a procedure called an orchidectomy. More commonly, these are known as a 'spay' for females and a 'castrate' for males.
Desexing male dogs: A common misconception is that during a castrate, the vet removes the scrotum and testes together. This doesn't occur. Unless your dog is particularly mature or has a problem with his scrotal skin, there is no point removing the scrotal skin, as this causes unnecessary tissue damage and a much longer healing time. Instead, your vet will make a small nick in the skin in front of the scrotum, gently squeeze the testes through the small hole, and remove them efficiently and swiftly. For the most part, desexing a male is relatively quick, minimally invasive, and not very painful.
Desexing female dogs: For females, the procedure is longer and a little more serious as it involves entering the abdominal cavity. A common misconception is that a smaller incision always means a better procedure. This is true to some extent - more experienced surgeons tend to use smaller incision lines - however, a larger incision can actually be beneficial as it gives the surgeon better visibility and allows them to manage any potential problems more quickly. Many experienced vets make a point of using a larger incision as a precaution.
Whilst traditional spay procedures are still very much the norm, laparoscopic desexing has been developed and is performed at some vet clinics. Laparoscopic desexing differs from the traditional method in that the vessels and ligaments of the reproductive system do not need to be exteriorised during the procedure, allowing a much smaller incision, less disturbance of the abdominal wall and organs, reduced risk of bleeding and infection, and reduced post-operative pain.
Should I desex my dog?
This topic could be discussed for hours and hours, so to save time we'll just list the pros and cons of desexing.
Pros of desexing
- Your dog will not be able to breed, preventing unwanted pregnancies. There are also enough homeless puppies in the world - desexing helps address overpopulation.
- Behavioural issues are less likely to occur, including aggression, dominance, hyperactivity, destructive behaviour, and running away
- Females will not go on heat (have a reproductive cycle) - which brings with it annoying behaviour and some messy discharge.
- In females, their risk of mammary tumours (breast cancer) is significantly reduced, and their chance of pyometra (infected uterus) or ovarian cancer is eliminated.
- In males, their risk of prostate issues and anal gland issues (including anal gland cancer) is significantly reduced, and their risk of testicular cancer is eliminated
Cons of desexing
- Your dog will have to undergo a general anaesthesia and surgery, which while considered generally safe, always carries some risk.
- Your pet may experience a slower metabolism after desexing, which can lead to weight gain if you aren't careful.
- There is some evidence that desexing a female too early can lead to incontinence later in life. Some vets have started recommending waiting until after your dog's first heat has finished before desexing. There is ongoing debate about this, so it's worth discussing with your vet.
DID YOU KNOW: every time a female dog goes into heat, her chance of getting mammary (breast) cancer later in life increases by 20%! Also, it is estimated that approximately 25% of non-desexed female dogs will experience pyometra (which is life-threatening) in their middle to older age.
What to do before desexing
Find a vet you trust. Different vet clinics provide different levels of service, and cheaper is certainly not always better. A good clinic will provide thorough monitoring and support throughout the procedure, and will give adequate pain relief before and after.
In an ideal anaesthetic, your dog would be monitored similarly to a human going through surgery - with continuous monitoring of heart rate, oxygenation, blood pressure, temperature, and carbon dioxide levels. IV fluid support and a dedicated anaesthetist (a trained nurse is fine) should also be in place.
At the very least, ask your vet: "Will my dog receive IV fluids?" and ask them to walk you through what monitoring is provided. A pulse oximeter is generally considered basic monitoring equipment, so be a little wary if the clinic does not have one.
It is also worth asking about take-home pain relief. For best patient care, pain medication should always be provided for at least two days after the procedure - particularly for females.
For more information, check out our guide to How to Find a Good Vet.
Prepare your dog. Your dog will need to be fasted the morning of the procedure. This can be tough for both of you, but is very important - regurgitation of food can be dangerous in an anaesthetised patient.
Prepare your home. Your dog will need to be kept fairly quiet for 5 to 14 days after the procedure. Many people choose to keep their dog indoors for this period and delegate a room (such as a laundry) for the first night in particular. A crate or a pen is also great for limiting activity during recovery.
Caring for your dog after desexing
What to expect: Your dog will have a shaved area around the surgery site, and usually a shaved patch on their front leg where injections were given. There may also be a shaved patch on the neck if blood was taken for testing.
Your dog will have an incision line and sutures in place after the surgery. Some surgeons use intradermal sutures hidden within the skin; others prefer external sutures. External stitches need to remain in place for 7 to 14 days - it is very important you don't let your dog remove them prematurely.
To stop your dog from biting out the sutures, keep a dog cone or Elizabethan collar on them at all times. Your vet will usually provide one upon discharge.
Confinement: As mentioned, your dog will need to be kept fairly quiet for 5 to 14 days. The last thing you want is for them to tear out stitches or loosen any important internal ligatures. A crate or a dedicated room can help, particularly for the first one to two days.
Medication: Your vet should have sent your dog home with pain relief, which may come as a tablet, syrup, or topical cream. Follow the directions carefully - while it can be tricky to administer, the first few days after surgery can be painful without it.
Feeding: Follow your vet's instructions for feeding after surgery. Most clinics recommend a slightly smaller meal than usual on the first evening, given slowly. If vomiting occurs, call your vet for advice.
Desexing FAQs
Desexing is a major milestone in your dog's life, but with a trusted veterinary team and a cosy recovery spot at home, it is a very safe and routine process. By choosing to desex your dog, you are not only helping reduce the number of homeless animals in Australia but also investing in a longer, healthier life for your companion. Once those stitches are out and the "cone of shame" is a distant memory, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve made the best choice for their future wellbeing.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Thu 4 Jun 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Carla graduated from the University of Queensland in 2013 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and worked for a number of years in small animal clinics across South East Queensland. While Carla enjoys most facets of clinical veterinary work, she holds a special passion for feline medicine, pocket pets, and nutrition.
