Dog & Cat Desexing Fairfield

Our team of experienced Veterinarians at Elgar Road Vet offer professional desexing services for your pet in Fairfield and the surrounding areas. We strongly recommend that all pet cats and dogs be desexed. 

When should I have my pet desexed?

We recommend desexing your pet at around 5 to 6 months of age. While younger pets can also be desexed, there are more risks involved. Even if your pet is already an adult, there are still significant benefits to desexing. 

The advantages to desexing include:-

• • Desexing female dogs before their first cycle substantially decreases 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. 
  • 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. 
  • Desexing your pet can prevent 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. 
  • 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. 
  • If you desex your pet, you can prevent the occurrence 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?

Desexing your pet will not 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?

Desexing does not cause obesity, as overfeeding is the primary cause of obesity in pets. However, there may be changes in your pet's dietary requirements after desexing, and they may need to be fed less than before, depending on their age, breed, and activity level. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to 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?

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?

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.

Clean your dog before surgery day to minimise the risk of post-operative infection. Keep in mind that your dog cannot be washed again 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. 

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.

After the anaesthetic, please ensure that your pet is kept warm and sheltered from the weather. 

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. 

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

We strongly advise that your pet does not lick or chew at their stitches or surgery site, as this can compromise the healing process. In some cases, we may recommend the use of an Elizabeth collar to prevent licking, and we also offer a bitter-tasting product that can 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. 

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 Fairfield.