Our experienced Veterinarians offer expert desexingservices for your pet in Doncaster and surrounding areas. At Elgar Road Vet, we highly 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:-
Female dogs have a significantly lower risk of developing mammary tumours and cancer if desexed before their first cycle.
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.
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.
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.
Desexing your male cat can decrease the risk of urine marking and spraying.
Desexing your pet can decrease antisocial behaviour and aggression, especially in male animals.
Desexing your pet can reduce the 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.
By desexing your pet, you can increase their chances 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?
Desexing can decrease aggression in male dogs but it's important to note that training may also be needed to address any behavioural issues. It's worth noting that desexing may not be as effective in changing aggression in female dogs.
Should my female pet have have a litter?
In Australia, having a litter does not change your cat or dog's personality or make them happier. Unwanted kittens and puppies are often euthanised, so we do not encourage new litters unless they are wanted and can be cared for properly. Early desexing also helps reduce 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.
Following the anaesthetic, please keep your pet warm and out of the weather.
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.
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.
Please complete the full course of medication as directed.
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 Doncaster.