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

Glossy Black Cockatoo

The unique and rare black cockatoos are rising in popularity. Find out more about the Glossy Black Cockatoo, the friendliest breeed of the bunch.
Donskoy

The Donskoy is a truly unique feline breed. It''s a hairless cat breed; some kittens are born bald, while others are born with fur and become bald over time.
Lazy London Pet Parents In For A Crappy Surprise

You’d better make sure you’re picking up after your dog if you live in this London neighborhood! We all know how gross it is when people don&rsqu…
Corkie

The Corkie is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and Yorkshire Terrier. These affectionate dogs that are also energetic, playful, and obedient.
Upside Down Dog of the Week – Sinbad

Meet Sinbad, the week’s Upside Down Dog from Upsidedowndogs.com. His owner Kim says: “This is Sinbad in his chair. He is a 5-year-old. Pitbull mi…
Best Dog Chews

Dog chews help occupy your pup, give them an outlet for their innate desire for chewing, and keep those canines sparkly clean.
Talking About Palliative Care For Older Dogs

Let''s go over the basics about what palliative care is, in which situations it might be needed and how to create a palliative care plan for older dogs.
October Is Adopt-A-Dog Month At The American Humane Society

This month, help the American Humane Society give some precious pooches the forever homes they deserve Did you know there are 3 to 4 million animals waiting…
How To Avoid Fido Fiascos When Training Multiple Dogs

Calgon… take me away! Step away from the bottle of wine – take a few tips from a pro on how to train successfully in a multi-dog household. Havi…
Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Spankee

Meet Spankee, our Adoptable Dog of the Week. Spankee is an adult English Pointer and Dalmatian Mix from Newcastle, Oklahoma. He’s already neutered, hou…
Yorkie Bichon

The Yorkie Bichon is a cross between a purebred Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier. You can expect that your pup will be a vivacious and smart little dog.
Poshie

The fun-loving Poshie brings the outgoing personality of the Pomeranian together with the playful nature of the Shetland Sheepdog.
Shar-Poo

The fun-loving Shar-Poo brings together the smarts of the Poodle with the devoted nature of the Chinese Shar-Pei for a great family dog.
The Superdog Guide To Flyball

If your dog loves to fetch and run, and you are looking for a fun and challenging activity to engage him in, consider training your super pooch for flyball.
Best Dog Frisbees

Dog frisbees are a toy that you can''t go wrong with- almost every pooch loves playing fetch! Of cours, not all are made alike, so read on to find the best.