Dog & Cat Desexing Chadstone

At Elgar Road Vet, our team of experienced Veterinarians provides expert desexing options for your pet in Chadstone 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:-

• • Desexing female dogs before their first cycle significantly 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. 
  • If you desex your pet, you can prevent the occurrence of unwanted kittens or puppies. 
  • If you desex your male dog, you can prevent the occurrence of 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 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. 
  • Desexed pets are more likely to have longer and healthier lives. 
  • Desexing your pet can lead to reduced council fees. 

Common questions we are asked include:-

Will my pet’s personality change?

Desexing your pet won't 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?

Spaying a female dog while on heat may not be safe as it can increase the risk of bleeding. Exceptions can be made for female cats due to their long period of being on heat. Feel free to contact us for more information. 

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?

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 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?

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.

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. 

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.

Make sure your pet is warm and protected from the weather after the anaesthetic. 

It is important to provide your pet with a small meal (half serve) for dinner after the surgery. Make sure that they have free access to water at all times. 

Restrict your pet's exercise for about 10 days after surgery to reduce the risk of 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. 

Make sure to finish all medication as instructed 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 Chadstone.