Dog & Cat Desexing Donvale

Our experienced Veterinarians offer expert desexing services for your pet in Donvale 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:-

• • 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. 
  • Desexing your male dog can eliminate the possibility of cancers related to the sex organs or sex hormone-related tumours of the anus. 
  • Desexing your pet can eliminate the possibility 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. 
  • 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. 
  • Desexing your pet can enhance their chances of having a longer and healthier life. 
  • 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 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?

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?

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?

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 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. 

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.

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. 

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

It's important that your pet doesn't lick or chew at their stitches or surgery site. Your pet may need to wear an Elizabeth collar (a cone-shaped headpiece) to prevent them from doing so. We also offer a bitter-tasting product 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. 

Please ensure you finish all medication as directed by our staff. 

It is important to check your pet's wound twice a day to ensure it is clean and dry with minimal swelling and redness. If you notice excessive swelling, redness or discharge, please contact the clinic. 

 

Please contact or call us (03) 9899 9518 if you would like further information about our desexing options for your pet near Donvale.