Desexing is a common procedure in dogs and involves removing the reproductive organs to prevent breeding. It is an important decision that can have both benefits and risks, and the best approach varies between individual dogs.
At the University of Sydney Veterinary Teaching Hospitals, we take an individualised approach to desexing. We work with you to assess your dog’s:
Our recommendations are guided by current evidence and international best practice, including guidance from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association and life stage recommendations from the American Animal Hospital Association.
The decision about when and whether to spay or castrate your dog is made in consultation with your veterinarian, who will discuss the benefits and risks for your individual pet.
When discussing surgical sterilisation in dogs, you may hear a few different terms used.
Desexing and neutering are general terms that can be used for both male and female dogs.
Spaying refers to the procedure performed in female dogs. This involves removal of the ovaries, and sometimes the uterus, to prevent pregnancy.
Castration refers to the procedure performed in male dogs. This involves surgical removal of the testicles to prevent reproduction.
Desexing can provide several important benefits.
In female dogs, it:
In male dogs, it:
There is no single “correct” age for all dogs.
The timing of desexing depends on factors such as:
For some dogs, earlier desexing is appropriate. For others, particularly larger breeds, delaying desexing may be beneficial.
Our veterinarians will discuss the options and recommend the most suitable timing for your dog. If delayed desexing is recommended, we can also assist by providing the necessary recommendation to the NSW Pet Registry.
We understand that bringing your pet in for a procedure can feel stressful. Our team will guide you through each step and keep you informed throughout the day.
As a teaching hospital, your pet’s care involves both veterinary students and experienced veterinarians working together. This allows for thorough, supervised care at every stage.
If it is the first time that your pet has been to our hospital, a veterinarian will assess your pet and ask brief health history questions to ascertain whether your pet is in optimal health. If your pet has been here before, a nurse will do the triage and a vet will check before any medication is administered.
We will do a blood test to ensure that your animal is not anaemic or dehydrated before surgery. If it is an older dog, we would recommend a pre-anaesthetic blood panel to test for liver and kidney function as well. This is because most of the drugs are excreted by the liver and kidney and we need to understand if your pet has any pre-existing issues which might impact on their anaesthetic.
We tailor the sedation drugs to the individual patient depending on their demeanour. Sedation will lower the requirement of drugs needed for the anaesthetic, therefore make it safer for your pet to undergo anaesthesia. Once sedated, an intravenous catheter is placed to facilitate the administration of drugs and fluids.
Your pet is given oxygen for at least five minutes before induction to maximise the oxygen content in the blood as most induction drugs cause a temporary decrease in breathing rate. Your pet is then induced with a mix of drugs deemed to be most safe for them. Your pet is then immediately intubated (tube placed in their windpipe) to ensure adequate oxygen supply into the lungs. At this stage, your pet is then clipped and surgically scrubbed.
Our surgeons use new sterile gowns, gloves and surgical packs for every patient. This is to minimise cross infection and to decrease post-surgical complications like wound breakdown due to infection.
We use state-of-the-art anaesthetic monitoring equipment to ensure that your pet has the safest possible anaesthetic. We monitor their blood pressure, the amount of oxygen in their blood, body temperature, the amount of carbon dioxide they exhale (to prevent hyperventilation), and heart rate and breathing rate. Every patient will have fluids via their intravenous catheter to maintain blood pressure. A qualified veterinary nurse or anaesthetic technician is always there to monitor your pet.
Your pet is then closely monitored to ensure they are awake enough to breathe on their own before the tube placed into their windpipe is removed. They are then placed in a cage to recover quietly and safely.
Pre-operatively, your pet will have pain relief through sedation. During the surgery, our monitoring equipment and frequent physical checks will alert us to any pain your pet shows. They will then be given an appropriate drug to minimise the pain. Post-surgical pain relief is in the form of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug given as an injection under the skin. Your pet will also go home with two days of oral NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation post-surgery.
The cost of desexing will vary on the on sex, age and weight of your pet at the time of the procedure, as well as potential complications (such as undescended testes in males, and females that are currently in heat).
Your pet will have a consultation with a veterinarian prior to their desexing procedure to ensure they are in good health.
The cost of dog desexing varies because every pet’s needs are different. Factors such as your dog’s size, age and overall health can influence the time, anaesthesia and monitoring required during surgery. Costs may also be higher for dogs with anatomical considerations such as cryptorchidism (undescended testicles) or for females who are in heat, pregnant or recovering after whelping, as these conditions increase surgical complexity.
Your veterinarian will discuss these factors with you during your consult so you understand what is involved and can make an informed decision that supports your dog’s long‑term health.
Desexing is a routine and recommended procedure under most circumstances, but as with any surgery, there are some risks and considerations to keep in mind. These risks will be discussed with you during your consult with our veterinarians.
This procedure involves a general anaesthetic. Although this is generally very safe, there is a small risk of reactions to anaesthetic drugs. As with any surgical procedure, there is also a small risk of post‑operative complications, including bleeding or infection. These risks are reduced when your pet is assessed by a veterinarian and monitored.
It is important to consider your dog’s age, breed, size and overall health when planning the procedure. Female dogs that are in heat, pregnant or have underlying reproductive disease may experience more complex surgery and a longer recovery time.
After surgery, your dog will need rest, limited exercise and careful wound monitoring to ensure proper healing. Your veterinary team will provide personalised advice on pain relief, activity restriction and follow‑up care so you can feel confident supporting your dog’s recovery at home.
Choosing a veterinary teaching hospital gives your dog access to care that goes beyond what a standard clinic can provide. Our hospitals bring together experienced veterinarians, specialist teams and advanced clinical facilities to ensure every desexing procedure is performed with exceptional attention to safety and patient wellbeing. Your dog benefits from the depth of expertise found only in a university‑based environment, where evidence‑based practice guides every step of their care.
Our teaching hospitals also support the next generation of veterinarians. During your dog’s visit, veterinary students may assist with aspects of their care, always under the close supervision of qualified veterinarians. This collaborative approach provides additional hands, eyes and vigilance throughout your dog’s procedure and recovery, while ensuring all clinical decisions are made by experienced clinicians.
With dedicated surgical theatres, high‑level anaesthetic monitoring, on‑site diagnostic equipment and a comprehensive nursing team, we are equipped to manage routine desexing as well as more complex cases that may require additional expertise. From the first consult to post‑operative follow‑up, our focus is on providing personalised, compassionate care that keeps your dog comfortable and safe at every stage.
Desexing is recommended for most dogs to prevent unwanted litters and can provide health and behavioural benefits. The decision should be individualised based on your dog’s breed, age, and lifestyle.
Desexing does not change your dog’s core temperament. It may reduce some hormone-driven behaviours, such as roaming or mounting, but your dog’s personality remains the same.
The best timing varies depending on your dog’s size, breed, and health. Your veterinarian will assess your dog and recommend the most appropriate timing.
No. There is no health requirement for a female dog to have a litter before being desexed.
In New South Wales, dogs that are not desexed by 6 months of age are subject to a higher lifetime registration fee.
If desexing is delayed based on your dog’s individual needs, your veterinarian may be able to provide supporting documentation or record this on the NSW Pet Registry where appropriate.
Desexing is a common surgical procedure. Your dog will be assessed by a veterinarian beforehand to reduce risk and plan the safest approach.
Some dogs may gain weight after desexing, usually due to changes in appetite and energy needs. Regular weighing, portion control, and appropriate exercise are important.
Dogs can still be desexed as adults. A veterinary consultation is important to assess health and discuss any additional considerations.
