Dog & Cat Desexing Viewbank

Our team of experienced Veterinarians at Elgar Road Vet offer professional desexing services for your pet in Viewbank and the surrounding areas. We strongly recommend that all pet cats and dogs be desexed. 

When should I have my pet desexed?

Desexing is recommended at approximately 5 to 6months of age. Younger pets can be desexed however there are more risks. If your pet is already an adult there are still significant advantages 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. 
  • 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 eliminate the possibility 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. 
  • By desexing your pet, you can avoid the issue of 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. 
  • If you desex your pet, you can prevent the occurrence 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?

By desexing your pet, their personality will remain unaffected, 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 help reduce aggression in male dogs, it's crucial to remember that training may also be necessary to manage any behavioural concerns. Additionally, it's worth noting 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 conducted on weekdays. Please get in touch with us to schedule an appointment. The surgery estimate includes anaesthesia, hospitalisation, the procedure, and pain relief on the day. The cost of intravenous fluids on the day is separate. 

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. 

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.

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

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. 

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. 

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

It is important to 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 Viewbank.