Cat and dog desexing in Ramsgate NSW for lifelong wellbeing.
Desexing helps prevent unwanted litters, reduces hormone-driven behaviours, and lowers the risk of certain health problems. At Ramsgate Vets, we offer both traditional and laparoscopic (keyhole) procedures with anaesthesia and gentle pain relief to ensure your pet’s recovery is calm, safe, and comfortable.
Last Updated: 01 November 2025
Why Desexing matters:
Desexing is a common surgical procedure where the ovaries and uterus are removed in female animals, or the testicles are removed in males. This helps to prevent unwanted behaviors and serious health issues.
BENEFITS:
Protects females from pyometra and males from testicular cancer.
Helps decrease roaming, urine marking, and loud vocalizations.
Significantly lowers the risk of mammary tumors, especially if spaying happens before the female’s first heat cycle.
Encourages a more relaxed and gentle demeanor in pets at home.
GOOD TO KNOW
Your pet’s unique character will not change after the procedure. However, they may seem hungrier than before, so it’s important to manage food portions and encourage regular exercise to help keep their weight stable
Recommended timing for desexing
| Situation | Our Guidance |
|---|---|
| Cats | Schedule desexing at 4 to 5 months of age to avoid early heat cycles. |
| Small and medium dogs | Generally, desexing is advised at about 5 to 6 months, following completion of vaccinations. |
| Large and giant dogs | The procedure is often done between 8 and 12 months, but for some breeds it could be delayed until 18 months to account for their development and joint health |
| Female in heat | Ideally, wait roughly 4 weeks after the end of a heat cycle before desexing. |
| Behavior or roaming concerns | Consider arranging the surgery earlier to promote safety and peaceful neighborhood interactions. |
Preparing for the Procedure
Notes to take before your visit
- Do not allow your pet any food after 10 pm the night before surgery unless we provide other instructions
- Water can be left overnight but should be removed in the morning.
- Continue giving any regular medications unless told otherwise.
- For transport, use a secure carrier for cats and a leash for dogs. Arrive a bit earlier than your appointment time.
Visit Timeline
- Arrival and triage
- Examination and review consent
- Sedation, IV fluids and anaethesia
- Surgical procedure
- Pain management and comfortable recovery
- Your pets goes home on the same day.
Aftercare
- Keep your pet calm and rested for 10 to 14 days; only take short leash walks
- Use an cone collar or recovery suit to prevent licking the wound.
- Keep the surgery site clean and dry—no baths or swimming during recovery.
- Feed a half-sized meal on the first night after surgery, then resume normal meals the next day.
- Contact us if you notice swelling, discharge, ongoing pain, or if your pet refuses to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Desexing is the general term. Spay is the female surgery. Neuter castration is the male surgery.
Cats at 4 to 5 months. Most small and medium dogs at 5 to 6 months. Large breeds are often 8 to 12 months. We will tailor the plan.
Hormone-driven behaviours such as roaming and urine marking usually reduce. Core personality does not change.
Most pets are bright the next day. Internal healing takes 10 to 14 days. Keep activity low and prevent licking until the recheck.
Only if calories exceed needs. We give feeding and exercise guidance to keep weight healthy.
Most surgeries use dissolvable stitches under the skin. If external sutures are used we remove them at 10 to 14 days.
We usually wait about 4 weeks after the cycle to reduce bleeding risk. Ask us if timing is urgent.
With a vet exam, blood tests when advised, and monitoring, modern anaesthesia is very safe. We customise drugs and doses
If you cannot prevent mating, or you see scrotal swelling after neuter, wound opening, fever, or your pet refuses food for 24 hours, contact us for same-day advice.
Desexing helps pets live happier, longer and more hygenic. Call us to book today.
.svg)
