Desexing pets
Deciding if to desex your pet and at what age is an important part of pet ownership. There are many behavioural and medical benefits in having your dog or cat desexed. These benefits will be greatest if performed prior to the animal reaching sexual maturity.
Dogs and cats can be desexed from 8 weeks of age, although many vets and owners will prefer to wait until the animals are a bit older. Dogs and cats will begin to go through puberty and produce hormones from 6 months of age - it is therefore best to desex them prior to this. Castrating male dogs and cats reduces roaming behaviour and therefore the chance of your pet becoming lost, getting hit by a car or into a fight. Entire male cats are also at greater risk of contracting FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), which is spread through fighting. Intact dogs and cats will also urine mark/spray their territory and are more likely to be aggressive. Castration is most effective at controlling these undesirable behaviours if performed prior to them starting - once the animal has developed a habit of wandering, urine marking / spraying or aggression, removing the hormones may not eliminate the behaviours. The health benefits of desexing male cats and dogs include elimination of testicular cancer risk, reduction in prostate problems and perineal hernias. Female cats are seasonal breeders and will have heat cycles, which last 4-5 days every three weeks, thoughout the breeding season in spring and summer. Dogs will start coming in season from 6 months of age. They will do this about every 6 months.
If dogs and cats are spayed prior to any seasons they have virtually 0% chance of getting mammary tumours (breast cancers) - this risk increases every time the animal goes through a season. Even if desexed at an older age, the female will still have an increased risk of developing mammary tumours throughout her life. Desexing will eliminate the risk of uterine infections (pyometra) and ovarian and uterine cancers. Desexing will also reduce the amount of unwanted puppies and kittens born through unplanned matings. Many unwanted animals end up being euthanased or living as strays.
Desexing your dog or cat at an early age will help keep them close to home and has many health and behavioural benefits. Any questions about desexing your pet contact the staff at West Gippsland Vet Care on 5623 4822 in Warragul or 5625 1707 in Drouin.
At Warragul Pet Emporium they pride themselves on understanding the needs of animals and their owners and they love sharing that understanding with you!
Because the team at Warragul Pet Emporium love animals so much, they are offering in store FREE six point Pet Health Check to help you understand your pet's needs and answer any niggling questions. Their new health checks fit into the market in the same way you might visit a pharmacist before you head to the doctor.
You will leave feeling confident that your pet is on the right track or if it needs any further veterinary assistance. They check six important areas of pet health for your pet: Nutrition and weight management Dental Health Skin & coat care Joint mobility Parasites (worms, ticks and fleas) Behaviour management So how does it work? Bring your pet in store for its health check. The team will find out what you really need, based on your pet's breed, gender and age.
They have reliable, caring vets they can recommend should your pet need further assistance.
No need to book – just come into the store, any Tuesday or Thursday. Other days are by appointment. Call them on 5622 0888.
Get your children involved in your pet's care. It's a fun learning experience for them and a way to learn responsibility for pet wellbeing.
The six point Pet Health Check is FREE, how can you NOT afford to get your pet checked?
Visit http://warragulpetemporium.com.au for more information. Warragul Pet Emporium is located at 1/133 North Road, Warragul.
Get your free pet health check at Warragul Pet Emporium’s Pet Health Centre, now available in store! Lyn Jarvis with Hamish (a Shih Tzu cross Poodle) at the Pet Health Centre.