Desexing is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. It prevents unwanted pregnancies, reduces behavioural problems like roaming and aggression, and also helps prevent medical issues such as uterine infections, mammary tumours and perianal tumors in female dogs.

However, while the desexing procedure is relatively simple and safe, it is still a surgery that requires your pet to be under general anaesthetic. This means that some pain and discomfort is to be expected.

Preparing for the Procedure

Desexing is a major surgery and it’s best to prepare your pet for it as much as you can. This includes taking them to the vet for a health check a few days before, feeding them well so they’re not hungry at the time of their operation and opting for a soft cone rather than a hard plastic one as this can be more comfortable for dogs. If you have the time, consider desensitising your dog to their recovery collar before surgery by letting them wear it around the house and on walks while rewarding them with treats or meals so they don’t see it as something they need to avoid.

When you get to the renowned veterinary in Mitcham, make sure you’ve fed your pet and taken them for a toilet break. Then, they’ll be admitted to the vet hospital and will receive a full health check and anaesthetic before their desex surgery can begin. A veterinary nurse will stay with your pet to make sure they don’t have any issues as they wake up, and they’ll usually be kept overnight to ensure they’re fully recovered

De-sexing pets reduces behavioural problems and is important for both male and female animals. It’s also a great way to prevent unwanted litters and prevent the risk of health complications such as tumours or illnesses that target reproductive organs in male and female dogs and cats.

Choosing a Veterinarian

Desexing is a major surgery, and putting pets under general anaesthesia can be scary for them. You want to work with a vet who will take good care of your pet throughout the procedure and recovery.

During the same anaesthetic, most veterinarians will also remove any retained deciduous teeth (baby teeth) from your dog or cat’s mouth. This reduces the risk of complications such as overgrowth of adult teeth, which can be painful and difficult to manage.

The recommendation is for most dogs and cats to be desexed before reaching sexual maturity, which occurs around six months of age. Desexing will prevent your pet from breeding and help to alleviate the problem of too many shelter animals.

In females, desexing will reduce the risks of mammary tumours and pyometra, which is a life-threatening condition in which the uterus becomes pus-filled. It will also decrease behavioural issues such as ‘mounting’ and urine marking.

In males, desexing will prevent testicular cancer, as well as behavioural issues such as mounting and aggression. In addition, the risk of prostate disease is reduced as is the likelihood of urinating blood. Pets are usually put on dissolvable skin sutures after desexing, however they will still need a checkup with vet hospital such as Elgar Road Vet (www.elgarvet.com.au) in 10-14 days to ensure the wound is healing well. In addition, you will need to prevent your pet from licking the area as this may cause pain and irritation.

Post-Operative Care

Desexing your pet can be an overwhelming process, but it is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. It prevents unwanted pregnancies in female dogs and cats, and helps to reduce behavioural problems such as aggression and wandering. It also protects against certain reproductive cancers and conditions.

During the desexing procedure, your dog or cat will be given a premedicant drug to relax and sedate them before they are put under general anaesthetic. The surgery will take up to a few hours, and your vet will remove their reproductive organs. Once your pet has recovered from the general anaesthetic, they will be returned home.

While your pet is recovering from their surgery, they will need to be kept in a quiet place away from other pets, children, and other distractions. They may seem sleepy or restless, and it’s normal for them to whimper or struggle to get comfortable. You may notice that they are drinking more water than usual, as they will be thirsty due to their anxiety.

If you are having your pet desexed, it is important to keep them in a crate or small area away from other pets and furniture. This will help them to avoid rubbing against anything that could irritate the surgical site, and it will allow them to recover more quickly. You should also encourage them to rest, and limit their activity so that they don’t strain the wound or cause any further harm.

Preventing Unwanted Pregnancies

Desexing your pet can prevent unwanted pregnancies, which can be very stressful for both pets and their owners. It also helps to deal with the overflow of homeless kittens and puppies that end up in animal shelters or are put down because they cannot find their forever homes. For female dogs, it also reduces their tendency to go into heat, which can lead them to escape from their home or yard and be hit by cars, often resulting in severe injuries or even death.

The decision to desex your dog can be a personal choice, but it is highly encouraged to help reduce indiscriminate breeding that leads to overflowing animal shelters and the euthanasia of otherwise loving animals. In addition, desexed male dogs can be less likely to mark their territory inside the house.

For cats, males who are not desexed can breed quickly, which results in a lot of unwanted litters that have to be raised and fed, which can be expensive. They can also become aggressive towards other males, which can lead to fights. Desexing male cats can eliminate this behaviour, as well as preventing testicular cancer and reducing behavioural problems like aggression, marking territories, and roaming.

For females, the risk of mammary tumours is reduced, as is their chance of pyometra (an infected and pus-filled uterus). However, it is important for females to be desexed after their first heat cycle, because it can cause them to have an inverted vulva that increases the risk of urinary tract infections and dermatitis.

Running a small business in Melbourne comes with its own set of challenges, and one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is choosing the right accountant. A good accountant isn’t just a number cruncher; they can be a trusted advisor, helping you navigate tax laws, manage finances, and plan for growth. Here are some key considerations and tips to help you find the perfect fit for your small business:

1. Understand Your Needs: Small businesses have diverse accounting needs, so it’s crucial to identify your specific requirements before seeking an accountant. For instance, if you’re a retail business, you might need assistance with inventory management and sales tax compliance. Alternatively, if you’re a service-based business, you might prioritize invoicing and expense tracking. By understanding your needs upfront, you can better communicate them to potential accountants and ensure they have the expertise to address them effectively.
2. Look for Experience: Experience isn’t just about the number of years an accountant has been in practice; it’s also about the breadth and depth of their experience with businesses similar to yours. When assessing an accountant’s experience, consider factors such as the size of the businesses they’ve worked with, the industries they specialize in, and the complexity of the financial challenges they’ve tackled. A small business accountant Melbourne who has successfully navigated situations similar to yours is more likely to provide valuable insights and solutions.
3. Check Qualifications and Credentials: Beyond qualifications such as CPA or CA, consider other indicators of expertise and professionalism. Look for additional certifications or memberships in professional organizations related to accounting or your industry. Also, inquire about ongoing professional development activities to ensure the accountant stays updated on the latest regulations, technologies, and best practices. A commitment to continuous learning reflects a dedication to providing high-quality service to clients.
4. Consider Industry Specialization: Industries vary significantly in their accounting requirements and challenges. An accountant who specializes in your industry will have a deeper understanding of industry-specific regulations, compliance issues, and financial trends. They may also have established relationships with industry peers, vendors, and regulatory authorities that can benefit your business. When evaluating industry specialization, look for evidence of past experience and success within your specific sector.
5. Evaluate Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for fostering a productive and collaborative relationship with your accountant. In addition to being able to explain financial concepts clearly, a good communicator listens actively, asks insightful questions, and seeks to understand your business’s unique circumstances. They should adapt their communication style to suit your preferences and be accessible when you need assistance or guidance. Open and transparent communication builds trust and confidence in your accountant’s abilities.
6. Ask for References: References provide valuable insights into an accountant’s reputation, reliability, and the quality of their service. When contacting references, ask about the accountant’s strengths, areas for improvement, and overall satisfaction with their services. Inquire about specific examples of how the accountant has added value to their business, whether through tax savings, financial advice, or problem-solving. A track record of satisfied clients is a strong indication of an accountant’s competence and professionalism.
7. Discuss Fees and Billing Structure: Transparent and predictable pricing is essential for establishing a mutually beneficial relationship with your accountant. In addition to understanding the accountant’s fee structure, discuss the frequency and method of billing, as well as any additional costs associated with specific services or transactions. Consider whether the value provided by the accountant justifies the fees charged and whether the arrangement aligns with your budget and cash flow requirements. Clarity around fees and billing helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures a fair and equitable partnership.
8. Seek Proactive Advice: Beyond basic accounting tasks, a proactive accountant serves as a strategic partner in helping your business achieve its goals and overcome challenges. Look for an accountant Melbourne who demonstrates initiative, creativity, and foresight in identifying opportunities for improvement and growth. Proactive advice may involve suggesting tax planning strategies to minimize liabilities, recommending technology solutions to streamline processes, or offering insights into industry trends and best practices. By partnering with a proactive accountant, you gain a trusted advisor invested in your business’s success.
9. Consider Compatibility: Chemistry and compatibility play a significant role in the accountant-client relationship. You’ll be working closely with your accountant on sensitive financial matters, so it’s essential to feel comfortable sharing information and discussing important decisions. Consider factors such as personality, communication style, and shared values when assessing compatibility. Trust your instincts and choose an accountant with whom you feel a genuine connection and mutual respect. A strong rapport fosters collaboration, transparency, and mutual understanding, laying the foundation for a successful and enduring partnership.

Finding the right small business accountant in Melbourne may take some time and effort, but the investment is well worth it. A knowledgeable and trustworthy accountant can provide invaluable support as you navigate the complexities of running a small business, allowing you to focus on what you do best – growing your business and serving your customers.

Online wine shopping can be intimidating for a lot of people. But it doesn’t have to be!

When you’re able to comparison shop, it’s quick and easy to find the best price on a bottle of wine. But there are a few other things to keep in mind when buying wine online.

1. Know what you’re looking for

Online wine retailers have a lot to offer. They make it quick and easy to browse a wealth of wines, compare prices and have bottles delivered directly to your door – in short, they simplify the wine shopping process.

But before you hit that big ‘buy’ button, think about what exactly you are looking for. What style of wine are you interested in? Do you want white, red, sparkling or fortified wine? Do you have a particular producer or region in mind? And how many bottles do you need?

This will help you narrow down your options, and it will also help you to avoid the pitfalls that come with buying online. For instance, it’s easy to get sucked into a ‘bargain bin’ sale where you see wines that have been slapped together to meet a price point – these are often close-outs that didn’t sell well at the winery and aren’t likely to impress your taste buds. Also, don’t fall for the ‘FOMO’ techniques that some wine clubs and warehouses use to manipulate your decision making – they rely on you having an unhealthy obsession with getting great deals and exclusives!

2. Read reviews

With the growth of direct-to-consumer wine shipments, online shopping has become more and more popular. But, with so many retailers now offering this service and the potential risk of shipping wine to a home in hot weather (that can damage wine), it’s important to be savvy about how to shop for wine online.

Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available for consumers to use when shopping for wine online. From professional wine ratings and scores to educational resources and tasting notes, consumers now have access to a library of information right at their fingertips.

Additionally, many online retailers offer a wide variety of wines to choose from, often at more competitive prices than local brick-and-mortar stores. And, the best online wine vendors also have hassle-free return policies. All of this means that consumers can shop for wine with confidence, even in the middle of the night or between zoom calls at work. This added convenience can make the experience of purchasing wine online a truly enjoyable and empowering one. So, why not give it a try?

3. Compare prices

Drinking great wine doesn’t have to be expensive, particularly if you shop wisely. Online shopping can be a convenient way to stock up on wines you enjoy at the best prices.

Many reputable online wine retailers provide professional wine ratings or scores, detailed descriptions, and educational resources to help consumers make informed buying decisions. They also offer curated packs, subscriptions, and half bottles to encourage consumers to try new wine.

Shipping wine can be costly, but many wine retailers will absorb those costs if you order a certain amount. This is particularly true if you are purchasing rare or hard-to-find wines.

One of the most significant advantages of buying wine online is real price transparency. Online wine retailers can often offer better deals on their products than local stores, especially when it comes to wines from small producers or those in limited supply. This can save you money, and knowing that you have gotten the best deal makes every bottle of wine you purchase even more satisfying. You can further bolster your savings by taking advantage of free or low-cost shipping options and purchasing in bulk, which typically provides a lower per-bottle rate.

4. Check shipping times

The online wine shopping world is a crowded one, with many stores offering an appreciable selection of wines and many more offering sweet deals. To help you navigate the choices, do a little research before making your purchase.

For instance, make sure the wine shop you choose can ship to your state. The majority of major online wine shops can, but not all (the laws on direct-to-consumer shipping vary by state).

Most importantly, you need to understand how long it will take for your bottle of wine to reach you. Most online wine shops have a convenient shipping calculator where you can type in your zip code and get an estimate on how long it will take for your order to arrive.

It may seem like a lot of work, but buying wine online is actually quite a streamlined process. With the right research in advance, it can be a fun and empowering way to explore new wines or find old favorites. Just remember, stocking up makes sense if possible. Shipping a case (12 bottles) often costs less per bottle than shipping just one.

5. Check availability

For many wine drinkers, buying wine online is still something of a gamble. The process might not have the charm of browsing in a dusty merchant, or the convenience of lugging home heavy bottles, but it’s incredibly efficient and safe, thanks to the precautions that reputable retailers put in place.

This includes requiring an adult signature upon delivery, as well as keeping careful records of temperatures where wines are shipped to ensure that they don’t suffer in transit. Wineries that rely on direct-to-consumer sales to bolster their bottom line also invest in compliance companies to help them navigate the various shipping laws, often across multiple states.

In addition, reputable retailers will provide an abundance of information on their wines to help you make the best purchase decision possible. This can include technical sheets for each wine, tasting notes from their staff, critic scores and reviews and even broader educational content on the region, producer or style you’re looking for. These additional resources will help you avoid making a purchasing mistake, especially for a pricey bottle of wine.