Dog & Cat Desexing Houston

At Elgar Road Vet, our team of experienced Veterinarians provides expert desexing options for your pet in Houston and the neighbouring areas. We recommend desexing 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:-

• • Female dogs have a significantly lower risk of developing mammary tumours and cancer if desexed before their first cycle. 
  • Desexing your female dog or cat can prevent unwanted "in heat" cycles and eliminate the risk of attracting unwanted males to your home. 
  • If you desex your pet, you can prevent the occurrence of unwanted kittens or puppies. 
  • Desexing your male dog can prevent 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. 
  • If you desex your male cat, you can prevent the occurrence 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. 
  • 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. 
  • Desexing your pet can lead to 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?

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?

It's important to remember that desexing can decrease aggression in male dogs, but training may still be necessary to manage behavioural issues. It's also important to note that desexing may not have the same impact 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 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. 

The evening prior to surgery, feed your pet their dinner and avoid giving them any food after 10 PM. Water should be accessible to them at all times. 

Please drop off your pet at the clinic between 8 and 9 AM on the day of surgery unless otherwise arranged with our staff. 

After the surgery.

Following the anaesthetic, please keep your pet warm and out of the weather. 

We recommend giving your pet a small meal (half serve) for dinner after the surgery. Please ensure that they have 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. 

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. 

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. 

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 Houston.