Dog & Cat Desexing Robinson
At Elgar Road Vet, our team of skilled Veterinarians provides top-quality desexing options for your pet in Robinson and nearby areas. We believe that desexing is important 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 prior to their first cycle greatly reduces 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.
- 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.
- If you desex your male cat, you can prevent the occurrence of urine marking and spraying.
- Desexing your pet can decrease 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.
- 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?
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?
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 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?
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.
To reduce the risk of post-operative infection, please ensure that your dog is clean before the day of surgery. Note that your dog will not be able to 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.
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.
Following the anaesthetic, please keep your pet warm and out of 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.
Reducing your pet's exercise for approximately 10 days after surgery can help 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.
Make sure to finish all medication as instructed by our staff.
We advise checking your pet's wound twice a day to make sure it is clean and dry with minimal swelling and redness. If you notice excessive swelling, redness or discharge, please contact the clinic immediately.
Please contact or call us (03) 9899 9518 if you would like further information about our desexing options for your pet near Robinson.