Dog & Cat Desexing Vermont
Our experienced Veterinarians offer expert desexing services for your pet in Vermont and surrounding areas. At Elgar Road Vet, we highly recommend desexing for all pet cats and dogs.
When should I have my pet desexed?
Although it's recommended to desex your pet at around 5 to 6 months of age, younger pets can also undergo the procedure. However, it involves greater risks. Regardless of age, there are many advantages to desexing your pet.
The advantages to desexing include:-
- Desexing female dogs before their first cycle significantly reduces their risk of developing mammary tumours and cancer.
- By desexing your female dog or cat, you can avoid the problem of "in heat" cycles and unwanted males coming to your home.
- Desexing your pet can eliminate the issue of unwanted litters of kittens or puppies.
- Desexing your male dog can prevent cancers related to the sex organs or sex hormone-related tumours of the anus.
- If you desex your pet, you can prevent the occurrence 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.
- Desexing your pet can eliminate the problem of antisocial behaviour and aggression, especially in male animals.
- Desexing your pet can reduce the risk of them trying to escape to mate and potentially being injured, killed, or going missing.
- By desexing your pet, you can avoid the risk of fighting with other animals of the same sex and species, especially male cats.
- Desexed pets are more likely to have longer and healthier lives.
- Desexing your pet can lead to reduced council fees.
Common questions we are asked include:-
Will my pet’s personality change?
Desexing your pet will not 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?
Spaying a female dog while on heat may not be safe as it can increase the risk of bleeding. Exceptions can be made for female cats due to their long period of being on heat. Feel free to contact us for more information.
Will my pet gain weight?
It's important to note that overfeeding is the main cause of obesity in pets, not desexing. After desexing, there may be a change in your pet's dietary requirements, and they may need to be fed less than before, depending on their breed, age, and activity level. For more information, please feel free to contact us.
Will it decrease aggression in my male dog?
It's important to remember that desexing can decrease aggression in male dogs, but training may still be necessary to manage behavioural issues. It's also important to note that desexing may not have the same impact 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 temperament or happiness. Unwanted kittens and puppies are still euthanised, so we do not recommend having litters unless they are wanted and can be properly cared for. Additionally, early desexing decreases the risk of mammary tumours in female dogs.
When can I make a booking?
We conduct desexing surgeries on weekdays. The surgery cost includes anaesthesia, hospitalisation, the procedure, and pain relief for the day. Additional fees are charged for IV fluids on the day.
What to do before the surgery.
Clean your dog before surgery day to minimise the risk of post-operative infection. Keep in mind that your dog cannot be washed again until the 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.
We ask that you drop off your pet at the clinic between 8 and 9 AM on the day of the surgery, unless you have pre-arranged with our staff.
After the surgery.
After the anaesthetic, please ensure that your pet is kept warm and sheltered from the weather.
It is important to provide your pet with a small meal (half serve) for dinner after the surgery. Make sure that they have free access to water at all times.
To avoid wound breakdown and swelling, please limit your pet's exercise for around 10 days following surgery.
To prevent your pet from licking or chewing their stitches or surgery site, they may need to wear an Elizabeth collar. This is especially important as the site needs time to heal. We also offer a product with a bitter taste to discourage licking.
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.
Please ensure you finish all medication as directed by our staff.
It is important to check your pet's wound twice a day to ensure it is clean and dry with minimal swelling and redness. If you notice excessive swelling, redness or discharge, please contact the clinic.
Please contact or call us (03) 9899 9518 if you would like further information about our desexing options for your pet near Vermont.