Dog & Cat Desexing Darling

At Elgar Road Vet, our team of skilled Veterinarians provides top-quality desexing options for your pet in Darling and nearby areas. We believe that desexing is important 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 eliminate the issue of "in heat" cycles and the possibility 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. 
  • By desexing your male cat, you can avoid the problem of urine marking and spraying. 
  • If you desex your pet, you can prevent the occurrence 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. 
  • By desexing your pet, you be eligible for 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 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. 

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 help reduce aggression in male dogs, it's crucial to remember that training may also be necessary to manage any behavioural concerns. Additionally, it's worth noting 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?

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. 

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. 

To ensure the smooth running of the day's schedule, we kindly request that you drop off your pet between 8 and 9 AM on the day of surgery unless previously arranged with our staff. 

After the surgery.

It is important to keep your pet warm and sheltered from the weather after the anaesthetic. 

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. 

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. 

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

It is important to finish all medication as directed by our staff. 

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 Darling.