Dog & Cat Desexing Burwood Heights

Our experienced Veterinarians offer expert desexing services for your pet in Burwood Heights and surrounding areas. At Elgar Road Vet, we highly 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 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 eliminate the possibility of 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. 
  • Desexing your male cat can eliminate the issue of urine marking and spraying, especially in male cats. 
  • By desexing your pet, you can avoid the issue of antisocial behaviour and aggression, especially in male animals. 
  • Desexing your pet can reduce the 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. 
  • 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?

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?

It's important to understand that overfeeding is the primary cause of pet obesity, not desexing. After desexing, your pet's dietary needs may change, and they may require less food than before, depending on their age, breed, and activity level. For more information, please 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 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.

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. 

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. 

Please drop off your pet at the clinic between 8 and 9 AM on the day of surgery unless otherwise arranged with our staff. 

After the surgery.

Following the anaesthetic, please keep your pet warm and out of 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. 

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. 

The injection site of the anesthetic will be covered with a small bandage that can be removed 1-2 hours after your pet is discharged. 

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 Burwood Heights.