Dog & Cat Desexing Box Hill North

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

When should I have my pet desexed?

Desexing is typically recommended for pets at around 5 to 6 months of age. Although younger pets can also be desexed, it involves greater risks. Even if your pet is already an adult, there are many advantages to desexing. 

The advantages to desexing include:-

• • Desexing female dogs prior to their first cycle greatly 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. 
  • By desexing your pet, you can avoid the problem 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. 
  • 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. 
  • Desexing your male cat can eliminate the issue of urine marking and spraying, especially in male cats. 
  • Desexing your pet can eliminate the problem 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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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?

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?

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?

It's important to remember that desexing can decrease aggression in male dogs, but training may still be necessary to manage behavioural issues. It's also important to note that desexing may not have the same impact on 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?

We conduct desexing surgeries on weekdays. The surgery cost includes anaesthesia, hospitalisation, the procedure, and pain relief for the day. Additional fees are charged for IV fluids on the day. 

What to do before the surgery.

Clean your dog before surgery day to minimise the risk of post-operative infection. Keep in mind that your dog cannot be washed again until the stitches are removed. 

Ensure your pet receives their evening meal the night before surgery and refrain from feeding them any further after 10 PM. Make sure they have continuous access to water. 

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.

After the anaesthetic, please ensure that your pet is kept warm and sheltered from the weather. 

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. 

Your pet must not lick or chew at their stitches or surgery site, as it may interfere with the healing process. We may suggest the use of an Elizabeth collar to prevent licking, and we also have a product that discourages licking with a bitter taste. 

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

Please complete the full course of medication as directed. 

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 Box Hill North.