Dog & Cat Desexing Ringwood

Our experienced Veterinarians offer expert desexing services for your pet in Ringwood 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 prior to their first cycle greatly reduces their risk of developing mammary tumours and cancer. 
  • By desexing your female dog or cat, you can avoid the problem of "in heat" cycles and unwanted males coming to your home. 
  • By desexing your pet, you can avoid the problem of unwanted litters of kittens or puppies. 
  • Desexing your male dog can prevent 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. 
  • 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. 
  • Desexing your pet can reduce the risk 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:-

Will my pet’s personality change?

Desexing your pet won't 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?

It's important to note that overfeeding is the main cause of obesity in pets, not desexing. After desexing, there may be a change in your pet's dietary requirements, and they may need to be fed less than before, depending on their breed, age, and activity level. For more information, please feel free to 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?

Having a litter does not improve your cat or dog's personality or make them happier. In Australia, unwanted kittens and puppies are still euthanised. Therefore, we do not encourage new litters unless they are wanted and can be cared for properly. Early desexing also reduces 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. 

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. 

Please drop off your pet at the clinic between 8 and 9 AM on the day of surgery unless otherwise arranged with our staff. 

After the surgery.

Following the anaesthetic, please keep your pet warm and out of 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. 

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. 

A small bandage will be present where the anesthetic was injected. You may remove it 1-2 hours after taking your pet home. 

Make sure to finish all medication as instructed 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 Ringwood.