If you have recently bought yourself a cute little puppy or kitten, then you have probably immediately felt attached to it and would do anything to make sure it is safe. Hearing that they need to be desexed can be a bit of a shock, but it is all for a good reason. The health benefits alone could save your beloved pet from an early grave, and to add to that, pet desexing makes them far more amicable due to a lack of sexual frustration. Here are a few things you need to know before you go and book your pet desexing appointment, just so you aren't confused when the time comes. 

Terminology

As with any medical field, there are a few bits and pieces of terminology that might be confusing for someone going through this for the first time. Generally, there are two types of pet desexing: spaying and neutering. Neutering refers to male pet desexing, and the removal of their testicles under an anaesthetic. Spaying refers to female pet desexing and is a little more involved, as it involves the removal of their uterus and ovaries. Those words simply refer to the different procedures for different sexes, so don't be alarmed if you hear them used interchangeably with pet desexing.

Post-Surgical Care

After your pet has been desexed, they will likely need to wear a cone to prevent them from licking, biting or tearing at the freshly operated area of their body. They will also likely be quite languid, may sleep a lot more and generally be more reserved. All of that is normal and to be expected whenever recovering from surgery. All you need to do is be gentle with them, give them lots of love and attention (if they want it) and monitor their food and water intake. If this behaviour carries on for a long period of time, or they stop eating altogether, take them in for a check-up.

Age

Pets need to be desexed before they are sexually mature, otherwise, there can be major complications that make the benefits of pet desexing far less impactful. For dogs and cats, this is generally before they turn six months old. The first year of a dog or cats life is fairly busy with both this procedure and a slew of core vaccinations, but once they get through it, they will be a much happier, healthier pet and thank you for it in the long run by being able to enjoy life with you for longer! 

Contact a local vet clinic to learn more about pet desexing services.