Dog & Cat Desexing Ashwood
Our team of experienced Veterinarians at Elgar Road Vet offer professional desexing services for your pet in Ashwood and the surrounding areas. We strongly recommend that all pet cats and dogs be desexed.
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:-
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- Desexing female dogs before their first cycle substantially decreases their risk of developing mammary tumours and cancer.
- Desexing your female dog or cat can eliminate the issue of "in heat" cycles and the possibility of attracting unwanted males to your home.
- By desexing your pet, you can avoid the problem of unwanted litters of kittens or puppies.
- If you desex your male dog, you can prevent the occurrence 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.
- By desexing your male cat, you can avoid the problem of urine marking and spraying.
- If you desex your pet, you can prevent the occurrence 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 eliminate the risk of fighting with other animals of the same sex and species, especially male cats.
- Desexing your pet can enhance their chances of having a longer and healthier life.
- 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?
While it is not advised to spay a female dog while she is on heat due to increased bleeding risk, exceptions may be made for female cats given their long period of being on heat. Please get in touch with us for more details.
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?
Desexing can decrease aggression in male dogs but it's important to note that training may also be needed to address any behavioural issues. It's worth noting that desexing may not be as effective in changing 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.
Please drop off your pet at the clinic between 8 and 9 AM on the day of surgery unless otherwise arranged with our staff.
After the surgery.
It is important to keep your pet warm and sheltered from the weather after the anaesthetic.
Please ensure your pet only receives a small meal (half serve) for dinner. Access to water should be provided at all times.
Your pet should have limited exercise for about 10 days after surgery to prevent wound breakdown and swelling.
It's important that your pet doesn't lick or chew at their stitches or surgery site. Your pet may need to wear an Elizabeth collar (a cone-shaped headpiece) to prevent them from doing so. We also offer a bitter-tasting product to 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.
Please complete the full course of medication as directed.
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 Ashwood.