Road To Recovery: Post-Operative Spay And Neuter Care

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Before your dog heads into surgery, here’s what you should know about the spay and neuter procedure

If you’re going to have your dog spayed or neutered, you’ll also have to be prepared for the procedure itself. It’s a surgical operation that requires preparation, comes with risks and needs aftercare. Here are the basics about spaying and neutering procedure:

What Is Spaying and Neutering?

These surgical procedures performed by skilled veterinarians that ensure dogs can’t breed by removing their reproductive organs. Spaying (also known as an ovariohysterectomy) is performed on a female dog and consists of the complete removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes and both ovaries. For male dogs, they undergo what’s called neutering (known as castration or orchidectomy), which includes the complete removal of the testicles.

The Recovery Process for Spayed or Neutered Dogs

If you’re a first-time owner and this is your first operation, it’s normal that you’re a bit nervous taking care of your patient. Your vet will go over all of the post-operative instructions that you’re going to need to follow to make your patient comfortable. Many vets will advise you to withhold food and water up to a certain time before the surgery. And depending on where you take your dog for the operation, many will require your dog to spend the night for observation.

It’s not unusual for there to be some discomfort after the surgery and your vet can give your dog medication for the pain. Pills can be sent home with you and tapered off as the wound begins to heal. To make sure your dog gets better quickly, here are a few tips to follow:

Limit Activity. This is one of the hardest things to do with dogs, particularly young dogs who have lots of energy. But it’s one of the most important things you can do because you don’t want any stitches popped or extra healing to have to happen because they did something playing. It’s hard, we know, but consider crating if necessary.

Dry incision.

Keep abreast of their pain level.

When it comes to feeding them

Pay attention to any swelling, discharge or opening of the incision.

Be sure to give your dog enough time to heal, keep a close eye on him and keep your follow-up appointments with your vet for checkups.

Most importantly, be sure to give your dog a lot of extra TLC. The hard thing about your dog getting treated for anything is that they just don’t understand what’s going on and they look to you for understanding. Of course, you won’t be able to help them understand the spay or neuter was in their best interest, but you can love on them and let them know you’ll always be there for them.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Majorca Shepherd Dog

The Majorca Shepherd Dog is a Spanish breed developed for shepherding cattle and is often used as an all-purpose farm dog.
Wetterhoun

The energetic Wetterhoun is a hunting and retrieving breed that loves the water. The name of this gun dog breed comes from the Dutch term for ""water dog"".
Adoptable Dog of the Week – Sammy

Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Sammy, a little over 1.5 years old Australian Shepherd, Bull Mastiff, and Great Pyrenees mix from Olathe, Kansas.
Palliative Pet Care Aiming to Serve Emerging Market

With 69 percent of pet owners who treat their pet as family members, palliative pet care gives beloved pets sympathetic end of life care.
Top 10 Workouts For Your Dog’s Brain

While a daily walk is essential to give your dog his fill of physical exercise, mental exercise is just as important. This is especially true for highly inte…
Which Dog Toys Are Safe?

You need them to keep your dog busy and entertained. But which dog toys are safe? Here''s what you need to know.
Best Toys For Your Miniature Husky

The toys this breed plays with have to challenge their mind and be durable, so we''ve put together a list of the 10 Best toys for Miniature Huskies.
Best Swim Gear For Your Dog

The weather is warming up, so that means it''ll be time to bare the bods at the beach. Here are the top 10 swim gear for your dog that will do the trick!
Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Pet Accessories Hit a High Note

Check out MuttNation, Miranda Lambert''s new pet line! They feature vintage-inspired materials, denim and leather, and proceeds go to a good cause.
Schweizer Laufhund

The intelligent Schweizer Laufhund is a Swedish hunting dog breed that was used in the development of numerous scent hounds.
6 Tips On Teaching Your Puppy To Come When Called

Some commands and tricks that you teach your dog are simply for entertainment, but teaching your puppy to come when called doesn''t fall into this category.
A Pet Parent’s Guide To Heartworm Treatments

Is your dog safe? Let''s go over the basics about what heartworm is, how and why you should protect your dog, and the heartworm treatments available to you.
Polish Greyhound

The Polish Greyhound is a member of the sighthound group; it''s easy to see from his long legs and lithe body. Also known as Polish Sighthound.
Shelter Spotlight: Hull’s Haven Border Collie Rescue

This month, we travel to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to spotlight Hull''s Haven Border Collie Rescue. This non-profit rescue group takes in any dog in need.
Lending A Helping Paw: What’s Involved In Therapy Dog Training

Does your pooch have the right stuff to make a difference and help people who need a furry friend the most? Then you should consider therapy dog training.