Dog & Cat Desexing The Pines

At Elgar Road Vet, our team of experienced Veterinarians provides expert desexing options for your pet in The Pines and the neighbouring areas. We recommend desexing for all pet cats and dogs. 

When should I have my pet desexed?

Desexing is typically recommended for pets at around 5 to 6 months of age. Although younger pets can also be desexed, it involves greater risks. Even if your pet is already an adult, there are many 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. 
  • Desexing your female dog or cat can eliminate the issue of "in heat" cycles and the possibility of attracting unwanted males 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. 
  • Desexing your pet can eliminate the possibility of life-threatening infections of the womb (pyometra) in female dogs and prostatic enlargement or infections in male dogs. 
  • Desexing your male cat can eliminate the issue of urine marking and spraying, especially in male cats. 
  • Desexing your pet can decrease 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. 
  • Desexing your pet can reduce the risk of fighting with other animals of the same sex and species, especially male cats. 
  • Desexing your pet can enhance 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?

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?

It is not recommended to spay a female dog while she is on heat as it may increase the risk of bleeding. However, in the case of female cats, due to their long period of being on heat, we may make exceptions. For more information, please do not hesitate to 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?

It's important to remember that desexing can decrease aggression in male dogs, but training may still be necessary to manage behavioural issues. It's also important to note that desexing may not have the same impact 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?

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 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. 

The night before surgery, provide your pet with their evening meal and remove any access to food after 10 PM. Make sure to keep them hydrated with free 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.

Make sure your pet is warm and protected from the weather after the anaesthetic. 

Please ensure your pet only receives a small meal (half serve) for dinner. Access to water should be provided at all times. 

Your pet should have limited exercise for about 10 days after surgery to prevent wound breakdown and swelling. 

Your pet must not lick or chew at their stitches or surgery site, as it may interfere with the healing process. We may suggest the use of an Elizabeth collar to prevent licking, and we also have a product that discourages licking with a bitter taste. 

After the surgery, your pet will have a small bandage where the anesthetic was injected. You may take it off 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 The Pines.