Dog & Cat Desexing Nunawading

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

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:-

• • 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. 
  • Desexing your pet can eliminate the issue of unwanted litters of kittens or puppies. 
  • By desexing your male dog, you can avoid the risk 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 decrease the risk of urine marking and spraying. 
  • Desexing your pet can eliminate the problem of antisocial behaviour and aggression, especially in male animals. 
  • Desexing your pet can eliminate the significant risk of them trying to escape to mate and potentially being injured, killed, or going missing, especially for male cats. 
  • By desexing your pet, you can avoid the risk of fighting with other animals of the same sex and species, especially male cats. 
  • Desexed pets are more likely to have longer and healthier lives. 
  • If you desex your pet, you can enjoy reduced council fees. 

Common questions we are asked include:-

Will my pet’s personality change?

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. 

Can I spay my pet while it is on heat?

Spaying a female dog while she is on heat is not recommended due to the increased risk of bleeding. However, we may make exceptions for female cats, as they have a longer period of being on heat. For further information, please contact us. 

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?

While desexing can reduce aggression in male dogs, it's essential to understand that training may be required to manage any behavioural problems. It's also important to note 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 personality or happiness. Unwanted kittens and puppies are still put down, so it is not recommended to have litters unless they are wanted and can be cared for. Early desexing also reduces the risk of mammary tumours in female dogs. 

When can I make a booking?

We conduct desexing surgeries on weekdays. The surgery cost includes anaesthesia, hospitalisation, the procedure, and pain relief for the day. Additional fees are charged for IV 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. 

To ensure the smooth running of the day's schedule, we kindly request that you drop off your pet between 8 and 9 AM on the day of surgery unless previously arranged with our staff. 

After the surgery.

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

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. 

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. 

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. 

Please ensure you finish all medication as directed by our staff. 

Twice daily checks of your pet's wound are recommended to ensure it appears clean and dry with little 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 Nunawading.