Dog & Cat Desexing Surrey Hills South

At Elgar Road Vet, our team of skilled Veterinarians provides top-quality desexing options for your pet in Surrey Hills South 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:-

• • 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 eliminate the issue of "in heat" cycles and the possibility of attracting unwanted males to your home. 
  • By desexing your pet, you can avoid the problem of unwanted litters of kittens or puppies. 
  • Desexing your male dog can eliminate the possibility 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. 
  • If you desex your male cat, you can prevent the occurrence of urine marking and spraying. 
  • Desexing your pet can eliminate the problem 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. 
  • Desexing your pet can eliminate 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. 
  • By desexing your pet, you be eligible for 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?

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?

Please note that overfeeding, not desexing, is the main cause of obesity in pets. After desexing, your pet's dietary requirements may change, and they may need to be fed less, depending on their breed, age, and activity level. If you require further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with 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 temperament or happiness. Unwanted kittens and puppies are still euthanised, so we do not recommend having litters unless they are wanted and can be properly cared for. Additionally, early desexing decreases 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.

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. 

It's important that your pet doesn't lick or chew at their stitches or surgery site. Your pet may need to wear an Elizabeth collar (a cone-shaped headpiece) to prevent them from doing so. We also offer a bitter-tasting product 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. 

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 Surrey Hills South.