Choosing to desex your pet is a simple act of love that can make a lifelong difference. It protects their health, reduces the risk of preventable diseases, and helps them feel safer and more settled at home. At Lort Smith, we see desexing as part of a bigger picture. One where every pet has the chance to live a healthy, happy life, and every family feels supported in making the best decisions for their animal.
Our pet desexing services for dogs and cats are delivered with the same care, compassion, and clinical expertise that have guided our work for nearly a century. Whether you’re learning about dog desexing, cat desexing, or simply exploring what’s right for your pet, we’re here to offer clear guidance, gentle handling, and a focus on long‑term wellbeing.
Desexing isn’t just a procedure; it’s a preventive step that helps protect your pet’s future. Read on to learn more about why desexing matters, when it’s recommended, and what to expect before and after surgery, so you can feel confident and supported every step of the way.
About pet desexing
What is pet desexing?
Pet desexing (sometimes called spaying or neutering) is a routine surgical procedure that prevents pets from breeding. While the surgery itself is straightforward, the impact is lifelong.
Our team performs dog desexing and cat desexing using modern anaesthetic techniques, careful monitoring, and a calm, low‑stress approach. Every pet is different, so we tailor our vet desexing services to their age, breed, and health needs.
Desexing also plays an important role in reducing unwanted litters and supporting responsible pet ownership, something we’re deeply committed to as part of our mission. The Victorian Government provides clear guidance on the health and welfare benefits of desexing dogs and cats, which you can explore here.
Why desexing is important for pet health
Desexing offers a wide range of health benefits that can help your pet live a longer, more comfortable life. These include:
- A reduced risk of reproductive cancers
- Prevention of serious conditions such as pyometra (a life-threatening uterine infection)
- Lower likelihood of roaming or escaping
- Fewer hormone-driven behaviours such as spraying indoors or humping.
Many families ask our team when to desex a puppy or kitten. Early desexing is often recommended because it helps prevent health and behavioural issues before they begin; however, each pet has unique needs, so it is important to discuss the right timeline for your pet.
Ensuring your pet is fully vaccinated before surgery is also recommended; our team will guide you on the right timing for your pet.
For broader welfare guidance, the National Desexing Network provides helpful resources.
Behavioural benefits of desexing
Alongside the health advantages, desexing can make day‑to‑day life easier for both pets and their people. Many pets show:
- Reduced aggression or dominance behaviours
- Less urine marking
- Decreased roaming
- Calmer behaviour overall
These behaviour changes can make training easier and help pets settle into family life more comfortably. Early-age desexing in cats and the best age to desex a dog can vary. Our team can guide you based on your pet’s breed and lifestyle.
When should pets be desexed?
Most pets can be desexed from around 20 weeks (5 months) of age. This timing supports healthy development while reducing the risks associated with delaying the procedure. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach:
- Dogs: The ideal timing can vary depending on breed and size.
- Cats: Early desexing is common and helps prevent unplanned litters, especially during kitten season.
- Puppies: If you’re unsure when to desex a puppy, we’ll help you choose the safest and most appropriate time.
For more guidance, check out this article For pets’ sake: desex your furry friends.
Pet desexing services
Our pet desexing services are designed to support you and your pet through every stage of the process, from preparation to recovery.
Our dog and cat desexing options
Every pet is unique, and their desexing needs can be too. Our team will provide dog desexing and cat desexing services tailored to your pet’s age, breed, and health. While desexing is a routine procedure, some pets need a little extra care, and our team is experienced in supporting animals with more complex needs.
We regularly care for pets who may require additional consideration, including:
- Flat‑faced (brachycephalic) dogs and cats, who can be more sensitive to anaesthesia
- Pets with retained testicles, which may require a slightly different surgical approach
- Pregnant animals, where timing and safety need careful assessment
- Nervous or anxious pets, who benefit from gentle handling and a calm environment
We’ll also talk you through pet desexing costs, so you know exactly what to expect before booking.
Pre-surgery health checks and vaccination requirements
Before surgery, your pet will receive a full health check. This helps us ensure they’re fit for anaesthesia and gives you the chance to ask questions about the procedure.
We’ll also confirm that your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and discuss the benefits of desexing at different life stages. This is especially important for puppies and kittens, who may need to complete their vaccination schedule before surgery.
Anaesthesia, pain management, and safety protocols
Your pet’s safety and comfort are at the centre of every desexing procedure we perform. Our veterinary team uses modern anaesthetic techniques and careful monitoring to ensure dogs and cats remain stable and comfortable throughout surgery.
Before the procedure begins, we assess your pet’s age, breed, and overall health to tailor their anaesthesia plan appropriately, especially important for pets who may need extra support, such as brachycephalic breeds or animals with existing health concerns. During surgery, your pet is continuously monitored by trained staff using advanced equipment to track their heart rate, breathing, and temperature.
Pain relief is provided before, during, and after the procedure to keep your pet as comfortable as possible. We’ll also talk you through the medication your pet will go home with, how to give it, and what signs of discomfort to look out for.
These safety measures are an essential part of our approach to dog and cat desexing, ensuring your pet receives gentle, attentive care from start to finish.
Post-surgery care and recovery expectations
Every pet recovers a little differently after desexing, but most bounce back quickly with rest, gentle care, and a calm home environment. Before you leave with your pet, our team will walk you through everything you need to know so you feel confident supporting your pet’s recovery, including:
- Rest and activity: Most pets benefit from a quiet space and reduced activity for several days.
- Feeding: Your pet may have a smaller appetite the first evening; this is normal.
- Wound care: We’ll show you how to keep the surgical site clean and what signs to look out for.
- Pain relief: Your pet will go home with appropriate medication to keep them comfortable.
As part of our pet desexing services, we also schedule a post‑operative check‑up. This visit allows our team to ensure your pet is healing well, that the incision is progressing as expected, and that you have the chance to ask any questions that may have come up at home. If anything doesn’t look quite right or your pet seems uncomfortable, we’re always here to help; no concern is too small when it comes to their well-being.
Ready to desex your furry friend?. Give us a call on 03 9328 3021 or book an appointment online today. We’re here to support you and your pet every step of the way!
