Dog & Cat Desexing Notting Hill

Our experienced Veterinarians offer expert desexing services for your pet in Notting Hill and surrounding areas. At Elgar Road Vet, we highly recommend desexing for all pet cats and dogs. 

When should I have my pet desexed?

Desexing is recommended at approximately 5 to 6months of age. Younger pets can be desexed however there are more risks. If your pet is already an adult there are still significant 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. 
  • By desexing your female dog or cat, you can avoid the problem of "in heat" cycles and unwanted males coming to your home. 
  • If you desex your pet, you can prevent the occurrence of unwanted 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. 
  • 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. 
  • By desexing your pet, you can avoid the issue of antisocial behaviour and aggression, especially in male animals. 
  • If you desex your pet, you can prevent the occurrence of them trying to escape to mate and potentially being injured, killed, or going missing. 
  • By desexing your pet, you can avoid the risk 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. 
  • By desexing your pet, you be eligible for 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?

Desexing can decrease aggression in male dogs but it's important to note that training may also be needed to address any behavioural issues. It's worth noting that desexing may not be as effective in changing 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?

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.

For a lower risk of post-surgery infection, please make sure to wash your dog before their surgery day. Please remember that after the surgery, your dog cannot be washed until the stitches are removed. 

Ensure your pet receives their evening meal the night before surgery and refrain from feeding them any further after 10 PM. Make sure they have continuous 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.

It is important to keep your pet warm and sheltered from the weather after the anaesthetic. 

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. 

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. 

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

It is important to finish all medication as directed by our staff. 

We recommend checking your pet's wound twice a day. It should appear clean and dry, with minimal 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 Notting Hill.