Desexing your dog or cat

There are many reasons that both male and female pets should be desexed, including:

Males:

  1. Avoiding certain behavioural problems.
  2. Decrease urine spraying by male cats, and leg-cocking by male dogs.
  3. Avoid ‘mounting’ behaviour
  4. Avoid the bad behaviour seen when you or your neighbours female pet is in heat - both to humans and other animals
  5. No chance of testicular cancer
  6. Less prostate problems
Females:
  1. No chance of becoming pregnant –
    No unwanted puppies/kittens
    No chance of having any medical problems associated with pregnancy/giving birth
  2. Much lower chance of mammary cancer - this only applies if they are desexed when they are young
  3. Avoid diseases such as 'pyometra' (infection of the uterus)
  4. Avoid behaviour changes when in heat.

Also in many areas of Australia (including Canberra) it is compulsory to have your pet desexed, unless you get a licence to breed from him/her. If you are unsure you should check with your local government/ council, or a veterinarian or RSPCA office in the area may know.

If you live in Canberra or the A.C.T, you can check the local regulations and information through Canberra Urban Parks and Places: ACT Dog and Cat Laws or Domestic Animal Services