AtElgar Road Vet, our team of experienced Veterinariansprovides expert desexing options for your pet inNunawading and the neighbouring areas. We recommend desexing for all pet cats and dogs.
When should I have my pet desexed?
We recommend desexing your pet at around 5 to 6 months of age. While younger pets can also be desexed, there are more risks involved. Even if your pet is already an adult, there are still significant benefits to desexing.
The advantages to desexing include:-
Female dogs have a significantly lower risk of developing mammary tumours and cancer if desexed before their first cycle.
By desexing your female dog or cat, you can avoid the problem of "in heat" cycles and unwanted males coming to your home.
If you desex your pet, you can prevent the occurrence of unwanted kittens or puppies.
Desexing your male dog can eliminate the possibility of cancers related to the sex organs or sex hormone-related tumours of the anus.
By desexing your pet, you can avoid the risk of life-threatening infections of the womb (pyometra) in female dogs and prostatic enlargement or infections in male dogs.
Desexing your male cat can eliminate the issue of urine marking and spraying, especially in male cats.
If you desex your pet, you can prevent the occurrence of antisocial behaviour and aggression, especially in male animals.
Desexing your pet can eliminate the significant risk of them trying to escape to mate and potentially being injured, killed, or going missing, especially for male cats.
If you desex your pet, you can prevent the occurrence of fighting with other animals of the same sex and species, especially male cats.
If you desex your pet, you can improve their likelihood of having a longer and healthier life.
By desexing your pet, you be eligible for reduced council fees.
Common questions we are asked include:-
Will my pet’s personality change?
Desexing your pet won't affect their personality, but it can decrease aggression in male animals. Your male dog is likely to behave better around other male dogs and male cats are less likely to fight. Male animals can also become friendlier toward their owners, especially male cats. All pets are less likely to try to escape and roam. The guarding instinct is retained, so your dog will continue to guard you and your house.
Can I spay my pet while it is on heat?
It is not recommended to spay a female dog while she is on heat as it may increase the risk of bleeding. However, in the case of female cats, due to their long period of being on heat, we may make exceptions. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Will my pet gain weight?
Please note that overfeeding, not desexing, is the main cause of obesity in pets. After desexing, your pet's dietary requirements may change, and they may need to be fed less, depending on their breed, age, and activity level. If you require further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Will it decrease aggression in my male dog?
While desexing can help reduce aggression in male dogs, it's crucial to remember that training may also be necessary to manage any behavioural concerns. Additionally, it's worth noting that desexing may not have the same effect on aggression in female dogs.
Should my female pet have have a litter?
In Australia, having a litter does not improve your cat or dog's personality or happiness. Unwanted kittens and puppies are still put down, so it is not recommended to have litters unless they are wanted and can be cared for. Early desexing also reduces the risk of mammary tumours in female dogs.
When can I make a booking?
Desexing surgeries are available on weekdays. The cost of the surgery includes anaesthesia, hospitalisation, the procedure, and pain relief for the day. Additional fees apply for intravenous fluids on the day.
What to do before the surgery.
To reduce the risk of post-operative infection, please ensure that your dog is clean before the day of surgery. Note that your dog will not be able to be washed until stitches are removed.
The evening prior to surgery, feed your pet their dinner and avoid giving them any food after 10 PM. Water should be accessible to them at all times.
To ensure the smooth running of the day's schedule, we kindly request that you drop off your pet between 8 and 9 AM on the day of surgery unless previously arranged with our staff.
After the surgery.
After the anaesthetic, please ensure that your pet is kept warm and sheltered from the weather.
We recommend giving your pet a small meal (half serve) for dinner after the surgery. Please ensure that they have access to water at all times.
Your pet should have limited exercise for about 10 days after surgery to prevent wound breakdown and swelling.
Your pet must not lick or chew at their stitches or surgery site, as it may interfere with the healing process. We may suggest the use of an Elizabeth collar to prevent licking, and we also have a product that discourages licking with a bitter taste.
The injection site of the anesthetic will be covered with a small bandage that can be removed 1-2 hours after your pet is discharged.
It is important to finish all medication as directed by our staff.
We recommend checking your pet's wound twice a day. It should appear clean and dry, with minimal swelling and redness. Please contact the clinic if you notice excessive swelling, redness, or discharge.
Please contact or call us (03) 9899 9518 if you would like further information about our desexing options for your pet near Nunawading.