Dog & Cat Desexing Doncaster Heights

Our experienced Veterinarians offer expert desexing services for your pet in Doncaster 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 recommended at approximately 5 to 6months of age. Younger pets can be desexed however there are more risks. If your pet is already an adult there are still significant 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. 
  • By desexing your female dog or cat, you can avoid the problem of "in heat" cycles and unwanted males coming to your home. 
  • By desexing your pet, you can avoid the problem of unwanted litters of 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. 
  • 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. 
  • If you desex your male cat, you can prevent the occurrence of urine marking and spraying. 
  • 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. 
  • By desexing your pet, you can increase their chances of having a longer and healthier life. 
  • If you desex your pet, you can enjoy 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?

Please note that overfeeding, not desexing, is the main cause of obesity in pets. After desexing, your pet's dietary requirements may change, and they may need to be fed less, depending on their breed, age, and activity level. If you require further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with 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?

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. 

When can I make a booking?

Desexing surgeries are available on weekdays. The cost of the surgery includes anaesthesia, hospitalisation, the procedure, and pain relief for the day. Additional fees apply for intravenous 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. 

Give your pet their last meal the night before surgery and do not offer any more food after 10 PM. Ensure that they always have 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.

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

Please ensure your pet only receives a small meal (half serve) for dinner. Access to water should be provided at all times. 

To avoid wound breakdown and swelling, please limit your pet's exercise for around 10 days following surgery. 

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. 

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. 

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 Doncaster Heights.