Deciding whether to desex your pet can come with a lot of uncertainty – especially with so many mixed messages and outdated advice still in circulation. At Bangalow Vets, we’re here to provide clear, compassionate guidance based on evidence-informed veterinary care about desexing your pet.
Desexing (also called spaying, neutering, sterilisation, or castration) is a safe and routine procedure that offers long-term health and behavioural benefits. Below, we address the five most common myths about desexing and explain why it’s one of the most important steps you can take for your pet’s wellbeing.
Myth 1: Pets should have one litter before being desexed
There is no evidence to suggest pets need to have a litter before being desexed. In fact, allowing your pet to go through a heat cycle or pregnancy increases the risk of complications including birthing difficulties, infections, and emergency caesareans.
For female dogs and cats, the timing of desexing matters. Desexing before their second heat reduces the risk of mammary cancer to almost zero. After just one heat – or one litter – that risk rises significantly.
Choosing to desex early not only protects your pet’s health but also helps reduce the number of unwanted animals in our community.
Myth 2: There are no benefits to desexing your pet
Desexing does far more than prevent pregnancy – it offers meaningful health benefits that can extend your pet’s life.
For female pets, desexing:
- Prevents pyometra, a life-threatening uterine infection
- Reduces the risk of mammary, ovarian, and uterine cancers
- Eliminates heat cycles, which can cause stress and behaviour changes
For male pets, desexing:
- Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer
- Reduces the likelihood of prostate disease, including infections and enlargement
- Helps prevent perianal tumours and testicular torsion
These health advantages reduce the risk of emergencies and lower the need for more invasive treatments later in life.
Myth 3: Their behaviour will change after being desexed
It’s true that some behaviours may change after desexing your pet – but in a good way!
Hormone-driven behaviours such as roaming, marking, aggression, and excessive mounting often decrease or disappear once pets are desexed. Female pets no longer experience heat-related mood swings or restlessness, and male pets are less likely to seek out mates or challenge other animals.
Desexing helps your pet remain calmer, more focused, and more content, without changing their unique personality or affectionate nature.
Myth 4: Desexed pets will gain weight
Desexing alone doesn’t cause pets to gain weight. While hormone changes can slightly affect metabolism, factors like overfeeding and limited exercise are the primary causes of weight gain.
With a balanced diet and regular activity, your desexed pet can stay fit, healthy, and active. Our team is here to offer guidance on post-surgery nutrition, portion control, and exercise planning to help maintain a healthy weight.
Myth 5: Desexing your pet is expensive
While there is an upfront cost to desexing, it’s a proactive investment in your pet’s long-term health and can help avoid far more expensive complications down the track.
Unplanned pregnancies, emergency caesareans, treatment for reproductive infections, or tumour removal surgeries can all carry high costs. Desexing reduces the risk of these scenarios, saving you stress, time, and money in the long run.
At Bangalow Vets, our desexing procedures include:
- Intravenous fluids to support hydration and recovery
- Comprehensive pain relief for your pet’s comfort
- Anaesthetic monitoring by experienced veterinary nurses
- A surgical recheck to ensure healing is on track
- Optional pre-anaesthetic bloodwork where clinically recommended
We believe in transparency, so you’ll always know what’s included and why it matters.
Still have questions? Let’s talk.
The decision to desex your pet is personal and we’re here to help. Our team will guide you through the best timing and approach based on your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and individual health needs.
Call us or book online today to discuss desexing with one of our experienced veterinarians.
