Dog & Cat Desexing Burwood
Elgar Road Vet proudly offer expert animal and pet desexing services to the local Box Hill and Burwood community
Our team of experienced Veterinarians at Elgar Road Vet offer professional desexing services for your pet in Burwood and the surrounding areas. We strongly recommend that all pet cats and dogs be desexed.
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 prior to their first cycle greatly 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 prevent unwanted litters of kittens or puppies.
- By desexing your male dog, you can avoid the risk of 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Desexing your pet can result in reduced council fees.
Common questions we are asked include:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Having a litter does not improve your cat or dog's personality or make them happier. In Australia, unwanted kittens and puppies are still euthanised. Therefore, we do not encourage new litters unless they are wanted and can be cared for properly. Early desexing also reduces the risk of mammary tumours in female dogs.
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.
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.
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.
Your pet should have limited exercise for about 10 days after surgery to prevent wound breakdown and swelling.
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.
A small bandage will be present where the anesthetic was injected. You may remove it 1-2 hours after taking 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 Burwood.