Dog & Cat Desexing Balwyn North

Our team of experienced Veterinarians at Elgar Road Vet offer professional desexing services for your pet in Balwyn North 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:-

• • Desexing female dogs before their first cycle substantially decreases 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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • By desexing your male cat, you can avoid the problem of urine marking and spraying. 
  • Desexing your pet can eliminate the problem of antisocial behaviour and aggression, especially in male animals. 
  • Desexing your pet can eliminate the significant risk of them trying to escape to mate and potentially being injured, killed, or going missing, especially for male cats. 
  • By desexing your pet, you can avoid the risk of fighting with other animals of the same sex and species, especially male cats. 
  • If you desex your pet, you can improve their likelihood of having a longer and healthier life. 
  • By desexing your pet, you be eligible for 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?

It is not recommended to spay a female dog while she is on heat as it may increase the risk of bleeding. However, in the case of female cats, due to their long period of being on heat, we may make exceptions. For more information, please do not hesitate to 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?

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?

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 night before surgery, provide your pet with their evening meal and remove any access to food after 10 PM. Make sure to keep them hydrated with free access to water. 

Unless pre-arranged with our staff, we request that your pet is dropped off to the clinic between 8 and 9 AM on the day of surgery. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Please complete the full course of medication as directed. 

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 Balwyn North.