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?

Desexing is recommended at approximately 5 to 6months of age. Younger pets can be desexed however there are more risks. If your pet is already an adult there are still significant advantages to desexing.  

The advantages to desexing include:-

• • Desexing female dogs before their first cycle significantly 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. 
  • If you desex your pet, you can prevent the occurrence of unwanted 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. 
  • 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. 
  • By desexing your male cat, you can avoid the problem of urine marking and spraying. 
  • By desexing your pet, you can avoid the issue of antisocial behaviour and aggression, especially in male animals. 
  • By desexing your pet, you can avoid the significant 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 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?

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?

While desexing can reduce aggression in male dogs, it's essential to understand that training may be required to manage any behavioural problems. It's also important to note 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 change your cat or dog's personality or make them happier. Unwanted kittens and puppies are often euthanised, so we do not encourage new litters unless they are wanted and can be cared for properly. Early desexing also helps reduce the risk of mammary tumours in female dogs. 

When can I make a booking?

You can book an appointment for desexing surgeries on weekdays. The cost of the surgery covers anaesthesia, hospital stay, the procedure, and pain relief for the day. Additional charges apply for intravenous fluids on the day. 

What to do before the surgery.

For a lower risk of post-surgery infection, please make sure to wash your dog before their surgery day. Please remember that after the surgery, your dog cannot be washed until the stitches are removed. 

Give your pet their last meal the night before surgery and do not offer any more food after 10 PM. Ensure that they always have access to water. 

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. 

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. 

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 Ashwood.