Many dog owners wouldn't even consider the possibility of not desexing their dog, but perhaps you're not one of them. There are so many benefits to desexing your dog, and the process is not only a smart idea for your dog, but for future dogs too. What are some things you should think about if you're hesitant to desex your precious pooch?
A Legal Requirement
It's important to note that any reluctance you might have to desex your dog can be overruled by legislation. In South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, it's mandatory to have your dog desexed before they reach six months of age. Exemption is generally only possible when your dog has an underlying medical condition that prevents them from being safely desexed. This cannot be simply your personal opinion, and it must be verified by a registered vet. Failure to desex your dog in these parts of the country can result in you being fined, possibly along with a compulsory order to desex your pet. Registered breeders can generally be exempted from any desexing legislation.
Unwanted Dogs
In the rest of the country, desexing your dog is voluntary. Part of the reason why it's such a good idea is for the benefit of all dogs, future and present. A study that focused on a two-year period had some startling results:
- Some 211,655 dogs were surrendered to Australian shelters during the study timeframe.
- Of this number, 43,900 dogs were euthanised.
Pet desexing is a logical way to reduce the number of unwanted dogs, which will reduce the number of dogs who are euthanised. Although you might do your utmost to home any puppies your female dog might unexpectedly have, you might be completely unaware that your male dog has actually impregnated another dog. So, basically, you should desex your dog to do your part to reduce the number of unwanted dogs.
Your Dog's Future Health
Some dog owners are hesitant to desex their dogs because they believe that this can lead to some serious medical issues later in life, such as obesity, joint problems, and even some types of cancer. These issues definitely cannot be thought of as a foregone conclusion in desexed dogs, and desexing can in fact decrease the risk of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer in female dogs. Diet, exercise, and general lifestyle can also help to reduce the risk of joint dysplasia, and the same can be said of obesity.
So while you might have your doubts about desexing your dog, going ahead with the procedure can be in your dog's best interests. Contact a veterinarian who offers pet desexing services to learn more.
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