Dog & Cat Desexing Murrumbeena

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

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:-

• • Desexing female dogs prior to their first cycle greatly reduces their risk of developing mammary tumours and cancer. 
  • Desexing your female dog or cat can prevent unwanted "in heat" cycles and eliminate the risk of attracting unwanted males to your home. 
  • Desexing your pet can eliminate the issue 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. 
  • 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. 
  • If you desex your pet, you can prevent the occurrence 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 eliminate 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. 
  • If you desex your pet, you can enjoy reduced council fees. 

Common questions we are asked include:-

Will my pet’s personality change?

By desexing your pet, their personality will remain unaffected, 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 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 change your cat or dog's personality or make them happier. Unwanted kittens and puppies are often euthanised, so we do not encourage new litters unless they are wanted and can be cared for properly. Early desexing also helps reduce 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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Your pet will have a small bandage where the anesthetic was injected. You can remove this 1-2 hours after bringing your pet home. 

Make sure to finish all medication as instructed 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 Murrumbeena.