Dog & Cat Desexing Chadstone Centre
At Elgar Road Vet, our team of experienced Veterinarians provides expert desexing options for your pet in Chadstone Centre and the neighbouring areas. We recommend desexing for all pet cats and dogs.
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:-
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- Desexing female dogs before their first cycle significantly reduces their risk of developing mammary tumours and cancer.
- By desexing your female dog or cat, you can avoid the problem of "in heat" cycles and unwanted males coming to your home.
- If you desex your pet, you can prevent the occurrence of unwanted kittens or puppies.
- Desexing your male dog can prevent 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.
- By desexing your pet, you can avoid the issue 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 eliminate 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?
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 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?
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 improve your cat or dog's temperament or happiness. Unwanted kittens and puppies are still euthanised, so we do not recommend having litters unless they are wanted and can be properly cared for. Additionally, early desexing decreases 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 chance of post-surgery infection, please clean your dog before their surgery day. Keep in mind that after the surgery, your dog cannot 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.
After the anaesthetic, please ensure that your pet is kept warm and sheltered from the weather.
Make sure to feed your pet only a small dinner (half serve) after the surgery. Your pet should have free access to water 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.
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.
Please complete the full course of medication as directed.
Twice daily checks of your pet's wound are recommended to ensure it appears clean and dry with little 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 Chadstone Centre.