Dog & Cat Desexing Blackburn

At Elgar Road Vet, our team of experienced Veterinarians provides expert desexing options for your pet in Blackburn and the neighbouring areas. We recommend desexing for all pet cats and dogs. 

When should I have my pet desexed?

We recommend desexing your pet at around 5 to 6 months of age. While younger pets can also be desexed, there are more risks involved. Even if your pet is already an adult, there are still significant benefits 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. 
  • 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 prevent 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 decrease 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. 
  • By desexing your pet, you can increase their chances of having a longer and healthier life. 
  • If you desex your pet, you can enjoy 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?

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 conducted on weekdays. Please get in touch with us to schedule an appointment. The surgery estimate includes anaesthesia, hospitalisation, the procedure, and pain relief on the day. The cost of intravenous fluids on the day is separate. 

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. 

We ask that you drop off your pet at the clinic between 8 and 9 AM on the day of the surgery, unless you have pre-arranged with our staff. 

After the surgery.

Make sure your pet is warm and protected 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. 

Your pet will have a small bandage where the anesthetic was injected. You can remove this 1-2 hours after bringing your pet home. 

It is important to finish all medication as directed by our staff. 

We recommend checking your pet's wound twice a day. It should appear clean and dry, with minimal 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 Blackburn.