Dog & Cat Desexing Auburn
At Elgar Road Vet, our team of skilled Veterinarians provides top-quality desexing options for your pet in Auburn and nearby areas. We believe that desexing is important for all pet cats and dogs.
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:-
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- Desexing female dogs before their first cycle significantly reduces their risk of developing mammary tumours and cancer.
- If you desex your female dog or cat, you can prevent them from going into heat and attracting unwanted males 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.
- 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.
- If you desex your pet, you can prevent the occurrence of them trying to escape to mate and potentially being injured, killed, or going missing.
- If you desex your pet, you can prevent the occurrence of fighting with other animals of the same sex and species, especially male cats.
- By desexing your pet, you can increase their chances of having a longer and healthier life.
- Desexing your pet can lead to reduced council fees.
Common questions we are asked include:-
Will my pet’s personality change?
By desexing your pet, their personality will remain unaffected, 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?
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 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?
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.
Please ensure your pet only receives a small meal (half serve) for dinner. Access to water should be provided at all times.
Restrict your pet's exercise for about 10 days after surgery to reduce the risk of wound breakdown and swelling.
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.
After the surgery, your pet will have a small bandage where the anesthetic was injected. You may take it off 1-2 hours after bringing your pet home.
Make sure to finish all medication as instructed by our staff.
We advise checking your pet's wound twice a day to make sure it is clean and dry with minimal swelling and redness. If you notice excessive swelling, redness or discharge, please contact the clinic immediately.
Please contact or call us (03) 9899 9518 if you would like further information about our desexing options for your pet near Auburn.