Female dog desexing and cat desexing is known as ‘spaying’. This procedure is more involved than male desexing and comes with a different range of benefits that will protect your pet in the long-term.

The Benefits

Besides reducing the number of unwanted animals that are euthanised each year, spaying your pet will curb behavioural issues and the possibility of developing certain diseases.

Spaying a dog will prevent serious health problems such as mammary cancer and uterine infections. Spaying a cat reduces their risk of cervical cancer and tumours. Animals in heat are also more likely to roam, and both cats and dogs will pass bodily fluids onto your furniture during this time.

The Procedure

Spaying a female dog or cat is a similar procedure where the reproductive organs are removed. In dogs, this includes their ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus, eliminating their heat cycle and ceasing any breeding behaviour.

The Aftercare

There are certain things you can do to keep your animal safe and comfortable after the procedure:

After desexing dogs, keep them inside and away from other animals. Prevent them from exercising and jumping on or off things for up to two weeks. Check the incision site daily to ensure it is healing well.

After desexing cats, keep them in a quiet, comfortable space with fresh food and water. Keep them away from children and other pets because they are more likely to show aggression during recovery. Keep your cat indoors for at least two weeks to keep the incision site clean and dry.

How long is the healing process?

For cats and dogs, the healing process should take around 2 weeks. If your pet is uncomfortable, lethargic, sick or eating less, call your vet.

When can I bathe my dog afterwards?

Wait two weeks before bathing your dog to keep the incision site dry.

How do I stop my pet from licking their wound?

Speak to your vet about acquiring an Elizabethan cone for their neck – this will stop them from interfering with the surgical site.

At what age should my animal be spayed?

Here at Kedron Veterinary Clinic we recommend desexing animals at 6-8 months of age to ensure their hormones develop appropriately. Some breeds can be desexed sooner.

Make an Appointment with Kedron Veterinary Clinic

To organise an appointment to spay your female pet, speak to the team at Kedron Veterinary Clinic. Call (07) 3857 1785 or contact us online.