Dog & Cat Desexing Mitcham
Elgar Road Vet proudly offer expert animal and pet desexing services to the local Box Hill and Mitcham community
Our experienced Veterinarians offer expert desexing services for your pet in Mitchamand surrounding areas. At Elgar Road Vet, we highly recommend desexing for all pet cats and dogs.
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:-
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- Desexing female dogs before their first cycle substantially decreases their risk of developing mammary tumours and cancer.
- If you desex your female dog or cat, you can prevent them from going into heat and attracting unwanted males to your home.
- By desexing your pet, you can avoid the problem of unwanted litters of kittens or puppies.
- If you desex your male dog, you can prevent the occurrence 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 eliminate the issue of urine marking and spraying, especially in male cats.
- 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.
- Desexing your pet can lead to reduced council fees.
Common questions we are asked include:
If you desex your pet, their personality will remain the same, 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.
It is not recommended to spay a female dog while she is on heat as it may increase the risk of bleeding. However, in the case of female cats, due to their long period of being on heat, we may make exceptions. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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.
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.
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.
Desexing surgeries are conducted on weekdays. Please get in touch with us to schedule an appointment. The surgery estimate includes anaesthesia, hospitalisation, the procedure, and pain relief on the day. The cost of intravenous fluids on the day is separate.
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.
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.
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.
Your pet should have limited exercise for about 10 days after surgery to prevent 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 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 Mitcham.