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 Peakhurst Veterinary Hospital is here to answer your questions and make the process easy for you and your pet.

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Visit Us: 709 Forest Rd, Peakhurst

Call Us: (02) 9153 7614

Book Online Today! 

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Some say cat and car don't go together. If you are bringing your cat to the vet, it can be a stressful experience for both for the cat and the owner. Here are some tips to make the car ride as smooth and stress-free as possible.
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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.
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2. 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.
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3. 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.
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4. 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.
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5. 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.

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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.
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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.

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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.

As pet owners, it's natural to want the best for our furry companions. So when it comes to taking them to the vet, we want the experience to be as stress-free as possible. Yet, many pets can become anxious when it's time for their check-up, and this can make the whole process difficult for you too. Luckily, there are a few tricks that you can use to ensure that your pet's vet visits are stress-free. In this blog post, we'll cover 10 tips for making vet visits a breeze.

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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.

As pet lovers, our pets are more than just pets, they are family members. Therefore, it is important to ensure that they are safe especially during an emergency. In this article, we will be discussing some important pet emergency tips that every pet owner in Australia should know. These tips can save your pet's life in case of a fire outbreak, injury, and disease prevention.

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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.

As a pet owner, your main goal is to keep your furry friend healthy and happy. However, it's not always easy to tell when something is wrong with your pet. Animals can't communicate their symptoms to us, and sometimes the signs that something is amiss are subtle. Unfortunately, many pet owners wait too long to take their pets to the vet, which can result in serious health problems and even death. In this blog post, we'll discuss 7 signs that indicate it's time to take your pet to the vet sooner rather than later.

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Change in appetite

If your pet suddenly stops eating or drinking, it could be a sign of illness. Loss of appetite can be caused by a number of health problems, including dental issues, infections, and gastrointestinal problems. Monitor your pet's eating and drinking habits closely, and if you notice a change, make an appointment with your vet.

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Unusual lethargy

If your pet is normally energetic and suddenly becomes lethargic, it's time to pay attention. Lethargy can be a sign of pain, illness, or depression. If your pet is sleeping more than usual or seems uninterested in playtime, it's time to get them checked out by a vet.

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Elimination issues

If your pet suddenly starts having accidents in the house or has trouble urinating or defecating, it's time to take them to the vet. These symptoms could be caused by a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, or other health problems. Catching these issues early can prevent them from getting worse and causing serious health issues.

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Unexplained weight loss

If your pet is losing weight without any changes to their diet or exercise routine, it's time to visit the vet. Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of many health problems, including hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, and cancer.

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Breathing difficulties

If your pet is having trouble breathing or their breathing sounds laboured, it's time to take them to the vet. Difficulty breathing can be a sign of respiratory infections, heart disease, or other health issues. If your pet is panting excessively or gasping for air, it's time to get help right away.

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Skin or coat issues

If your pet is suddenly scratching more than usual, has bald spots or scabs on their skin, or is losing hair, it's time to visit the vet. Skin and coat issues can be signs of allergies, parasites, or other health issues. Catching these issues early can prevent them from getting worse.

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Behavioural changes

If your pet's behaviour suddenly changes, it's worth a visit to the vet. This can include aggression, anxiety, or changes in social behaviour. Sudden changes can be caused by underlying health issues, so it's important to get them checked out.

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Conclusion:

Ultimately, you know your pet best. If you notice any signs that your pet isn't feeling well, it's better to be safe than sorry. Don't wait until your pet is seriously ill to seek medical attention. By being proactive and monitoring your pet's health, you can catch health issues early and ensure your furry friend receives the care they need to live a happy and healthy life. Remember, when it comes to your pet's health, it's always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention sooner rather than later.