Dog & Cat Desexing Kew East
Our team of experienced Veterinarians at Elgar Road Vet offer professional desexing services for your pet in Kew East and the surrounding areas. We strongly recommend that all pet cats and dogs be desexed.
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:-
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- Female dogs have a significantly lower risk of developing mammary tumours and cancer if desexed before their first cycle.
- By desexing your female dog or cat, you can avoid the problem of "in heat" cycles and unwanted males coming to your home.
- Desexing your pet can prevent 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.
- By desexing your pet, you can avoid the risk of life-threatening infections of the womb (pyometra) in female dogs and prostatic enlargement or infections in male dogs.
- By desexing your male cat, you can avoid the problem 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.
- If you desex your pet, you can improve their likelihood 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?
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?
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 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?
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?
You can book an appointment for desexing surgeries on weekdays. The cost of the surgery covers anaesthesia, hospital stay, the procedure, and pain relief for the day. Additional charges apply for intravenous 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.
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.
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.
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.
The injection site of the anesthetic will be covered with a small bandage that can be removed 1-2 hours after your pet is discharged.
Make sure to finish all medication as instructed by our staff.
We advise checking your pet's wound twice a day to make sure it is clean and dry with minimal swelling and redness. If you notice excessive swelling, redness or discharge, please contact the clinic immediately.
Please contact or call us (03) 9899 9518 if you would like further information about our desexing options for your pet near Kew East.