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

Turkish Angora

The Turkish Angora has an outstanding reputation for being not only intelligent but highly adaptable. Playful and loving, these cats do well with children.
Cash For Cuddles – Survey Finds People Willing To Rent Out Their Pet

New on the odd things of what people are willing to rent out – their pets. Some folks are really hard up for cash if they’ll let a stranger off t…
Upside Down Dog Of The Week – Alena

This is Alena, our Upside Down Dog of the Week. Alana was a Red Nosed Pitbull who has recently departed for the Rainbow Bridge. Here’s what her owner E…
Best Elevated Dog Bed

Elevated dog beds come in different designs and can be used both indoors and outdoors- these are the best ones on the market.
If You’re Happy And You Know It… So Does Your Dog!

Yay Science! Now we have proof that our dogs recognize what it means when we smile (or frown). Being a dog trainer, I see how dogs interact with their owners…
Korat

An affectionate and cuddly cat, the Korat bonds strongly with its humans, but will single out a favorite. They are playful, but gentle with children.
Alaskan Malamute

Considered to be excellent family pets, the Alaskan Malamute is intelligent and clever and will do anything to ensure that its owners are pleased with them.
The Quest For Dog: Learning From Experience

In the second article of Amanda Schlee’s quest for the perfect dog, she takes a look back at a breed she has already owned growing up – but is it…
PetPaint Halloween Prize Pack Giveaway

Halloween is just around the corner, and if you’re anything like us, you’re pretty excited to doll your dog up for the big day. And that’s…
English Toy Spaniel

A true lapdog, the English Toy Spaniel is dedicated to becoming the world''s best couch potato. They love being spoiled and living in the lap of luxury.
Yorkie-Pom

The Yorkie-Pom is a lovable designer breed that is a cross between a purebred Yorkshire Terrier and a Pomeranian, making it the ultimate small-breed dog.
Danios

Danios are a popular species of freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. They are characterized by two pairs of long barbells that hang from their mouth.
Corydoras Catfish

Also known as cories or cory catfish, Corydoras catfish are bottom feeders and generally docile fish that do well in a community setting.
Your Dog’s Noise Anxieties Are Silenced With The ThunderShirt

Just Like A Warm Hug, The ThunderShirt Calms Your Dog’s Anxiety Late summer and early fall is known as a time of year when storms and unpredictable met…
Cirneco Dell’Etna

The Cirneco dellEtna is a small, slender dog, an ancient breed native to the island of Sicily valued for its intelligence and natural hunting ability.