Dog & Cat Desexing Viewbank
At Elgar Road Vet, our team of experienced Veterinarians provides expert desexing options for your pet in Viewbank and the neighbouring areas. We recommend desexing for all pet cats and dogs.
When should I have my pet desexed?
Desexing is typically recommended for pets at around 5 to 6 months of age. Although younger pets can also be desexed, it involves greater risks. Even if your pet is already an adult, there are many advantages to desexing.
The advantages to desexing include:-
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- Desexing female dogs prior to their first cycle greatly reduces their risk of developing mammary tumours and cancer.
- Desexing your female dog or cat can prevent unwanted "in heat" cycles and eliminate the risk of attracting unwanted males to your home.
- Desexing your pet can prevent unwanted litters of 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.
- Desexing your pet can eliminate the possibility 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.
- Desexing your pet can reduce 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 result in 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 she is on heat is not recommended due to the increased risk of bleeding. However, we may make exceptions for female cats, as they have a longer period of being on heat. For further information, please contact us.
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?
Having a litter does not improve your cat or dog's personality or make them happier. In Australia, unwanted kittens and puppies are still euthanised. Therefore, we do not encourage new litters unless they are wanted and can be cared for properly. 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.
For a lower chance of post-surgery infection, please clean your dog before their surgery day. Keep in mind that after the surgery, your dog cannot 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.
It is important to keep your pet warm and sheltered from the weather after the anaesthetic.
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.
To avoid wound breakdown and swelling, please limit your pet's exercise for around 10 days following surgery.
We strongly advise that your pet does not lick or chew at their stitches or surgery site, as this can compromise the healing process. In some cases, we may recommend the use of an Elizabeth collar to prevent licking, and we also offer a bitter-tasting product that can discourage licking.
A small bandage will be present where the anesthetic was injected. You may remove it 1-2 hours after taking your pet home.
Make sure to finish all medication as instructed by our staff.
Twice daily checks of your pet's wound are recommended to ensure it appears clean and dry with little 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 Viewbank.