1. Prevents Unwanted Litters

Unplanned litters are a major contributor to animal overpopulation in Australia. Desexing helps reduce the number of unwanted puppies and kittens that end up in shelters or are abandoned.

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By desexing your pet, you’re playing an important part in controlling the pet population and giving all companion animals a better chance at a loving home.

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2. Health Benefits for Male and Female Pets

Desexing offers several long-term health benefits, including:

• Females: Reduced risk of mammary tumours and no chance of uterine infections (pyometra) or tumours.
• Males: Prevention of testicular cancer and reduced risk of prostate disease.

These procedures can also help prevent conditions that may require emergency surgery later in life.

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3. Better Behaviour

You may notice a positive change in your pet’s behaviour after desexing:

• Less tendency to roam or escape
• Reduced aggression or dominance
• Less marking or spraying
• Calmer, more predictable temperament

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Desexing Costs and Why They Vary

One of the most common questions we receive is: How much does it cost to desex my pet?

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What Affects the Price of Desexing?

Costs can vary depending on:

• Species: Dogs generally cost more to desex than cats - as it is more complex.
• Gender: Female desexing (speying) is more complicated than male desexing (neutering).
• Weight: Larger animals require more anaesthetic, time, materials and monitoring.
• Reproductive Status: Female pets on heat or pregnant incur additional costs as they take
  more time.

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Why It's Best to Desex Before the First Heat

Desexing before the first heat cycle is recommended because:

• It significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumours
• It avoids extra surgical fees often charged when pets are on heat

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Estimated Price Ranges

(Prices may vary - ask us for an exact quote for your pet).

• Male Dog over 25kg: $380–$580
• Female Dog over 25 kg: $500–$700
• Female on heat: Additional fees apply – speak with our team
• Male Cat: $170–$200
• Female Cat: $200–$300

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NSW Laws & Registration Savings

In New South Wales, pets must be lifetime registered. The NSW Pet Registry offers significant fee reductions for desexed pets:

• Desexed dog: Lifetime registration = $66
• Non-desexed dog: Lifetime registration = $234

This not only encourages responsible pet ownership but also rewards you for doing the right thing.

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Safe, Same-Day Procedure

Desexing is a common, low-risk procedure performed daily at our clinic. It’s usually completed in one day, with pets admitted in the morning and ready to go home in the afternoon.

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To ensure your pet’s safety under anaesthetic, they must be fasted from the night before surgery. This means no food after 10:00 PM the night before. Water may be allowed until early morning — our team will give you detailed instructions when booking.

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We use modern anaesthetics, pain relief, and gold-standard surgical protocols. Most pets recover quickly with a little rest, and we’ll provide clear post-operative care guidance before discharge.

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When to Desex Your Pet

We generally recommend desexing between 4–6 months of age, but it can vary based on species, breed and health status. Our vets will advise the best timing for your pet to ensure optimal results and recovery.

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Book a Desexing Appointment

Our friendly team at Dr Spot is here to answer your questions and make the process easy for you and your pet.

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Visit Us: 44 Chamberlain St. Campbelltown

Call Us: +61 2 46285055

Book Online Today! 

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What are the signs?

Intense itching – leading to scratching, rubbing and biting of the paws, belly, body, ears and bottom

Redness, hair loss, and sores affecting the ears, wrists, ankles, face, underarms, groin, around the eyes, in between the toes, and the area around the anus.

It can cause secondary infections in the skin form your dog trying to relieve the itching with licking, chewing and rubbing the itchy spots too much.

These symptoms might occur seasonally at first but can progress to being year-round as the dog ages.

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 What are the causes?

Atopic dermatitis in dogs is usually caused by an allergic reaction to things in their environment. These can include things like pollen, dust mites, moulds, or even certain types of food. This allergy leads to an overactive immune system, resulting in inflammation and itching.

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In some cases, genetics may play a role, as certain breeds are more susceptible to this condition. These include Staffies, Bulldogs,Boxers, Retrievers, Labradors, small white fluffy dogs, Beagles and Dalmatians among others.

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Atopic dermatitis is not caused by fleas, but dogs with this condition could have a more severe reaction to flea bites, which may worsen the signs. 

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Can theVet Help?

It is important to recognise that any persistent itching or pronounced changes in your dog's skin should be seen by a vet. While occasional scratching is normal dog behaviour, excessive scratching or any of the other symptoms mentioned above requires fast attention.

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As a rule of thumb, if your dog’s symptoms persist for more than a week, it’s time to schedule a vet visit. The sooner atopic dermatitis is diagnosed, the quicker a treatment plan can be implemented, and the better your pet's chances are of finding relief.

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 Did you know that long term scratching and chewing can lead to secondary infections, as bacteria and yeasts take advantage of the skin damage to penetrate the skin's defences. If you notice any signs of a secondary infection such as pus, redness, swelling, foul odour, or a green colour change to the fur, seek veterinary help ASAP.

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Is there treatment?

Good News, Yes! Your vet will find the best treatment option for your furry pal. It may be a diet change, a shampoo/conditioning treatment,injections, or medication that you can give at home. The key to finding the right treatment is finding the right diagnosis.

How Do Pets Get Fleas?

Fleas thrive in warm, humid environments, which makes Australian pets a prime target, especially during the summer months. The life cycle of a flea begins when an adult lays its eggs on a host –this could be your cat, dog, rabbit or ferret. They then fall from the host onto the ground, embedding in carpets, cracks, or soil waiting to hatch into larvae and subsequently into adult fleas. Any animal (or even human!) passing nearby may provide the warm-blooded host needed for the adult flea's feeding and reproductive cycle.

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The Flea Allergy Dermatitis Cycle

Not all animals bitten by fleas succumb to flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). Flea saliva is the culprit causing FAD - a hypersensitive allergic reaction in cats and dogs alike. When a flea bites an animal, it leaves behind saliva that can lead to severe itching and inflammation. Animals sensitive to this saliva will scratch or bite their skin relentlessly, leading to visible redness, scaly patches, scabs, hair loss and secondary infections due to skin trauma. This irritation often manifests on the areas where fleas love to bite – such as the chin, lower back, tail base, belly, and hind legs.

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Preventing Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Prevention is certainly better than curewhen it comes to FAD. Regularly treating your pet with an effective flea preventive product like Bravecto, Nexgard, Advocate, Simparica or Revolution can prevent an infestation from starting. Other measures include maintaining a clean, flea-proof dwelling and yard, regular vacuuming of pet bedding and carpets, and routinely washing your pet's bedding with hot water to kill off any flea eggs or larvae.

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Remember, fleas can jump from pet to pet,so it’s crucial to treat all pets in your household, even if only one shows symptoms of infestation or allergy.

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Treatment Options

If your pet is showing symptoms of FAD, a visit to your vet should be an immediate step. The vet will conduct a thorough examination to determine if the allergy is indeed due to flea bites, or if there is a different underlying issue. Treatment usually involves rapidly eliminating fleas on your pet using a veterinary-prescribed product. For severe itching and inflammation, your vet may prescribe steroids or antihistamines.Antibiotics may also be necessary to treat any secondary skin infections, and worming treatment to rid your pet of any flea transmitted intestinal worms.

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Remember, consistent preventive measures and maintaining a clean environment for your pets are the keys to avoiding a flea problem. So, keep those paws healthy and itch-free this season, and enjoy the best times with your furry family member!

Bringing cats to the vet can be a stressful experience, both for the cat and the owner. Here are some tips to make the car ride as smooth and stress-free as possible

1. Use a cat carrier. It's essential to use a cat carrier when transporting your cat to the vet. This will keep your cat safe and prevent them from escaping from the car. Make sure the carrier is the right size for your cat and comfortable with a soft blanket inside. Some more modern cat carriers have even extensions to secure them with the seatbelts. Aways prevent that the carrier moves around while you are driving.
2. Familiarise your cat with the carrier: Introduce your cat to the carrier as soon as you get your kitten/cat home. Don't storage your cat carrier in a shed or garage. The best place to store is around your home. Put treats or toys inside the carrier and leave the door open so that your cat can explore it and get comfortable.
3. Create a calm environment. Cats can be easily stressed, so create a calm environment in the car. You can play soothing music to help keep your cat calm. If your cat is easily stressed, choose later appointments in the day to avoid rush hours on the road, school zones and road work.
4. Avoid feeding your cat before the car ride: To prevent your cat from getting motion sickness, avoid feeding your cat a big meal before the care ride. However, make sure they have access to water.
5. Keep the car ride short: Try to keep the car ride as short as possible to minimise your cat's stress level. It is recommended to avoid planning several stops on your way to vet.
6. Use a Feliway spray or diffuser. Feliway is a synthetic pheromone that helps reduce stress and anxiety in cats. You can use a Feliway spray or diffuser in the car to help calm your cat during the ride. You can also spray the lining towel for the carrier 10-15 minutes before you put your cat in it.
7. Comfort your cat: Talk to your cat in a soothing voice and pet them gently to reassure them that everything is okay. However, don't take your cat out of the carrier while in the car as it may dangerous.

By following these tips, you can help make the car ride to the vet as smooth and stress-free as possible for both you and your cat.

Familiarise your pet with its carrier

If your pet isn't used to being in a carrier, this could be the cause of their stress. A good way to help them feel more comfortable is to introduce them to it gradually. Place their carrier in a common area of your home and encourage them to explore it on their own. Offer treats or toys as incentives. Once they're used to being inside, try taking them on a short car ride in the carrier.

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Book appointments during quiet times

Vet clinics can be noisy and chaotic places, which can be overwhelming for some pets. To make the experience less stressful for your furry friend, try to book your appointments for times when the clinic is less busy. This can help them feel calmer and more relaxed.

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Use a calming scent

Consider using a pet-friendly pheromone spray or diffuser before and during your visit to help your pet feel more relaxed. These products mimic natural pheromones that are released by cats and dogs to create a calming environment.

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Bring your pet's favourite toy or blanket

Bringing a familiar item from home can help your pet feel more secure during the visit. Make sure to bring something that has a strong, comforting scent like their favourite toy or blanket.

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Stay calm yourself

Pets can pick up on their owner's emotions, so it's important to stay calm and relaxed during the visit. Speak in a soothing tone and try to remain composed, even if your pet is feeling anxious.

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Reward good behaviour

Positive reinforcement can go a long way in helping your pet feel less anxious during their visit. Offer treats and praise for good behaviour, such as staying calm during an examination.

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Practice handling beforehand

If your pet isn't used to being handled by strangers, it can be stressful for them during a vet visit. To make them more comfortable with being handled, practice at home. This could include gently touching their paws, ears, and tail.

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Bring along a distraction

Distractions can be a great way to keep your pet calm and focused during their visit. Bring along their favourite toy or a puzzle toy to keep them occupied during the examination.

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Talk to your vet about medication

If your pet has extreme anxiety, your vet may recommend medication to help keep them calm during the visit. Talk to your vet to see if this is a viable option for your pet.

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Take breaks if needed

If your pet becomes too overwhelmed or anxious during the visit, don't be afraid to take a break. Sometimes, a few minutes outside or in a separate room can be just what your pet needs to relax.

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Conclusion:

Vet visits can be stressful for both pets and their owners, but there are plenty of things you can do to make the experience more relaxing. From familiarising your pet with their carrier to rewarding good behaviour and using calming scents, there are many ways to make your pet's next vet visit stress-free. Remember to stay calm yourself and talk to your vet about any concerns you may have. With these tips and a little bit of patience, you can ensure that your pet's next visit to the vet is a breeze.

Fire Prevention

House fires can happen at any time and it is important to have a plan in place to protect your pet from harm. Firstly, ensure that your pets are trained to respond to your voice commands such as "come" and "stay". This will make it easier for you to guide them out of the house in case of a fire. Also, make sure you have a plan in place for your pet's safe evacuation. Keep collars, harnesses, and leashes close to the exit doors for easy access. If you need to evacuate quickly, place your pets in a central location and make sure they are not left behind.

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Injury Prevention

Preventing injuries starts with identifying potential danger zones for your pets. Ensure that all harmful items, such as sharp objects, poisonous materials, small objects that can be easily swallowed, and electrical cords, are out of reach. Additionally, be sure to regularly inspect outdoor areas for items that can be dangerous to pets like broken glass, sharp metals, and snake holes. Regularly scheduled visits to the veterinarian can help identify potential health problems before they become serious.

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Disease Prevention

Disease prevention is essential to keep your pet healthy. Make sure that your pets are up-to-date with their vaccinations, as well as being regularly checked for parasites such as fleas, ticks, and worms. Feed your pet nutritious food and provide plenty of fresh water, as well as ensuring a clean environment. Regular exercise and playtime keep your pet mentally and physically healthy and active.

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Contact Your Veterinarian

In case of a pet emergency, contact your veterinarian or the nearest animal emergency hospital as soon as possible. Know the phone number of your veterinarian's emergency line and program it in your phone's address book, as well as the address of the closest vet clinic that provides emergency services. Having this information easily accessible can save precious time in case of an emergency.

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Pet Insurance

Pet insurance offers an extra layer of protection for your furry friend, covering the cost of emergency vet visits and procedures. There are many pet insurance plans in Australia that can be customised to fit your budget, so be sure to research the options and find one that suits you and your pet's needs.

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Conclusion:

As pet owners, keeping our pets safe during emergencies is crucial. By being proactive and implementing preventative measures, we can protect our pets and help them live longer, healthier lives. Remember to have a fire plan in place, prevent injuries, keep your pet healthy and active, have your veterinarian's contact information readily available, and consider getting pet insurance. Being informed and prepared can make all the difference in keeping your pets safe and healthy.