If you do not intend to responsibly breed your dog, consider spay or neuter. Spaying and neutering are routine surgeries that around 80% of the United States pet dog population will undergo.
While it’s natural to feel anxious when dropping your dog at your veterinarian for any procedure, complications during or after spay or neuter surgeries are rare. It is important to carefully follow the post-surgical care instructions to help set your dog up for a speedy recovery.
The American Kennel Club shares advice on making your pup’s post-surgical experience as comfortable as possible.
The recovery period generally lasts 10-14 days, but keep in mind that male dogs typically heal quicker than females. It is important to closely follow your veterinarians’ spay or neuter aftercare instructions.
The first 24 hours post-surgery: Your dog can be disoriented, lethargic, vocal, nauseous and dull-eyed for the first 24 hours. Provide them with a safe quiet space, small amounts of food and water, and appropriate medications.
Ten to 14 days post-surgery: Be careful not to jump back into your typical schedule because it can disrupt ideal healing and cause the incision to open or fluid to form.
It is recommended that you restrict access to the incision and indoor activity such as jumping up on the sofa or running up and down stairs.
Keep on-leash walks short and gradually increase the length of them over time.Products to support recovery.
This cone-shaped plastic or fabric device around their neck prevents them from licking, biting or chewing the incision site. These collars should be left on at all times, until the wound is completely healed.
These form-fitting items of clothing form a barrier to help prevent your dog from accessing the incision site.
Brain games like lick mats, KONGS or stuff-able toys can distract your dog from their wound and keep them stimulated.
Contacting your veterinarian. If you follow the post-surgical care instructions, most spay and neuter recoveries occur without a hitch. However, it’s still important to carefully monitor your dog’s wound site and behavior during the post-surgery recovery period.
If you spot the following, do not delay in calling your veterinarian or going straight to an emergency clinic: breathing difficulties, extreme lethargy, significant bleeding from the incision, sudden swelling, sustained vomiting or diarrhea, significant decrease in appetite or not drinking. – American Kennel Club/Tribune News Service
For more information on responsible dog ownership, visit the AKC at www.akc.org
