Bass Hill Vet

When can I book my pet in for desexing?

Pets can be booked in for desexing from Monday to Friday. They are left with us in the morning between 8am and 10am (on an empty stomach) and collected the same evening. All patients having surgery receive strong pain relief to maintain their comfort. Please ring us if you have any further queries or if you would like to make an appointment.

When should we desex our female dog?

At Bass Hill Veterinary Hospital, we advise that any female dog can be desexed from 6 months of age. By desexing a dog at this age, the incidence of breast cancer is greatly reduced. We can desex at an earlier age if required however we recommend desexing at 6 months of age.

Do you desex male dogs?

Yes! Besides the obvious of not being able to get a female dog pregnant. Even more importantly, desexing a male dog will; - Reduces the likelihood of cancer of the prostate - Reduces the urge to stray to find a female dog - Reduces aggression - Reduces territory marking - Reduces risk of testicular cancer

My pet is coming in for surgery. What do I have to do before hand and are there any precautions that we can take?

When surgeries involve an anaesthetic, it is very important that your pet is fasted, and has no food for the 12 hours prior to the operation. Please leave water out until the morning of the surgery. Just like in people, a series of pre-anaesthetic blood tests can be taken to check your pet's organ function, so we can take the necessary precautions for a safe anaesthetic. Further information will be given upon admission of the animal.

What vaccinations should my puppy have?

We recommend a series of 3 vaccinations for all puppies. The first a C3 at 6 -8 weeks of age. This covers Distemper, Hepatitis and very importantly Parvovirus. The next vaccination is at 12-14 weeks of age with a C7. This covers 4 extra components of 2 types of Kennel Cough plus Coronavirus and Leptospiros. The final puppy vaccination is at 16-18 weeks with repeat of a C7.

What vaccinations should my kitten have?

We recommend a series of 3 vaccinations for all kittens. The first an F3 at 6 -8 weeks of age. This is for 2 strains of cat flu, and for Feline Enteritis (Panleukopaenia). The next vaccination is at 12-14 weeks of age with an F5. This covers 2 extra components being Feline Chlamydia, and Feline Leukaemia. The final kitten vaccination is at 16-18 weeks with a repeat of an F5. It is also possible to provide protection against Feline Aids (FIV ). Please discuss this with your veterinarian.

Should we desex our female dog?

Desexing a female dog stops all signs of being on heat. There is no further bleeding, no attraction for male dogs, and if desexed when the dog is 6 months of age it will reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 90%. Also desexing eliminates the risk of pyometra (infected uterus) as desexing involves removing the uterus.

At what age do you recommend desexing your pet?

Our vets recommend desexing males & females at 6 months of age.

What food is toxic to my dog?

Many household chemicals and foods can be dangerous for dogs. Even some plants. However, it is important not feed you dog: onions, mushrooms, macadamia nuts, chocolate ( the darker the chocolate the more toxic), cooked bones, grapes, sultanas, high fat foods, raw eggs, xylitol (chewing gum), dairy products, peach seeds, avocado and corn cobs.

Are there any disadvantages?

It is a common fallacy that a desexed pet will become fat and lazy. Correct feeding of a premium diet (e.g. Royal Canin, Advance) without any extras should prevent obesity. Desexing at 6 months coincides with a reduced growth rate so it is important to reduce food intake. Desexing does not cause a pet to lose its character. Pets may be more gentle but they neither lose their spirit nor their intelligence. Playfulness and socialisation with humans will not change.