As a pet owner, you are probably very familiar with the necessity of spaying or neutering your pet dog. Not only will it help you with your dog’s future training endeavors, but it will also help protect the domestic dog as a species and eliminate several different health concerns.
The spaying and neutering procedures are relatively routine these days, with more and more people understanding the importance of this step in their dog’s life. However, with any surgical procedure, your dog must go through a recovery period.
While your dog is recovering, you can still spend lots of quality time with them. You can pick up a few professional grooming tools, like dog nail clippers, to ensure your dog is still being pampered during recovery. Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed will help you avoid having your dog scratch and pull out stitches.
Here are six practical tips to remember to care for your dog after neutering or spaying.
1. Rest and recuperate
The week after your dog’s surgery, you must keep life low-key. This may not be easy if your dog is a puppy, and they probably are.
Puppies are notorious for being balls of energy. They can be hyperactive and roam, so you might need a GPS dog tracker to monitor them.
Your dog may cause harm to himself if you allow too much physical activity after spaying or neutering, so try and keep things as low-key as possible to prevent injury.
2. Check for signs of infection
You must check for any signs of infection and call your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual. Your pet could have sutures that you can see on their skin and around the wound.
Keep an eye out for redness and swelling of any kind. It’s common for a dog to develop an infection after the operation, so if you notice anything odd, call your vet immediately.
3. Prevent licking and chewing
Your dog may try to lick the stitches or even chew on them. If this is the case, talk to your veterinarian about placing an Elizabethan collar on your dog. These are standard protection measures for dogs and have an extremely high success rate. Another option is to use an inflatable collar.
E-collars can be uncomfortable and irritating for your dog, so it’s best to use them when other options fail. These collars will ensure that the wound is less likely to get inflamed or infected, so it is usually recommended for fussy or sensitive dogs.
4. Try a belly wrap
Another smart way to prevent damage post-surgery is to pick up a belly wrap or protective clothing to shield the wound rather than rely on a cone.
There are vet-approved skincare products that are very effective for post-surgery protection.
They aid in healing and will provide light relief for most irritation. They also significantly reduce the likelihood of licking or biting the wound.
5. Check the odor
One thing that many pet owners forget is that their dogs can get smelly. Most vets will restrict bathing after surgery for up to 14 days. This time is essential for the wound to heal correctly, but it can cause your dog to smell foul.
Because your dog cannot groom himself, you may also notice general smelliness around your dog’s private areas, which can become mildly unsettling for some pet owners. Just remember, this problem is temporary.
Remember, if your dog has a yeasty or putrid odor post-surgery, that could be a sign of infection. If in doubt, ask your veterinarian for advice.
6. Distract your dog
The key to successful recovery post-opt is to keep your dog distracted from the surgical site. You’ll also have to keep your dog calm to avoid having him tear out the stitches and prolong the healing process. Take your dog for leisurely walks, but try to keep your dog from jumping on or off furniture.
Keep him on a leash to control his movements when you take your dog out. You also may want to crate your dog when you are not home to supervise him.
Check your dog’s stitches throughout the day to ensure they remain intact.
7. How to properly care for the wound
Here are some practical ways to care for your dog’s wound after neutering.
Keep the area clean
Keep the surgical site clean at all times. Gently wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth or using an antiseptic solution recommended by your veterinarian to prevent infections from developing.
Monitor for signs of infection
Even with proper cleaning, there is still a risk of infection. Watch for signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or foul odor from the incision site.
Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.
Administer medication as directed
Your veterinarian will likely prescribe pain medication and antibiotics for your dog after neutering.
Follow instructions carefully and give them their medications at scheduled times.
Provide comfortable bedding
Let your dog rest in a quiet, comfortable space away from other pets or children that may disturb them while they heal.
Soft bedding will help alleviate pressure on their incision site when lying down.
Attend follow-up appointments
Your veterinarian will schedule a follow-up appointment to check on the healing progress of your dog’s wound. If your vet didn’t use surgical glue, you may need to return for suture removal.
Attend these appointments and follow any additional instructions given by your vet.
8. Monitor food and water intake during recovery
Monitor your dog’s food and water intake during the recovery process.
This will ensure that they are receiving proper nourishment and hydration, which is crucial for their healing and overall well-being.
Limit your dog’s food intake for the first 24 hours after surgery. This allows their body to adjust to the general anesthesia and reduces the risk of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, common side effects.
Your veterinarian may provide specific instructions on how much and what type of food your dog can have.
Once the initial 24 hours have passed, you can gradually increase your dog’s food intake back to their regular portion size.
However, it is vital to feed them sparingly as they may be less active during recovery and, therefore, require fewer calories.
Neutering surgery can cause dehydration as a side effect of anesthesia.
Ensure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times.
You may also add some electrolyte supplements or offer ice cubes as an alternative source of hydration.
Pay attention to changes in your dog’s appetite or drinking habits during recovery. If you notice a significant decrease in either, it could be a sign of complications or discomfort from the surgery.
Feed your dog high-quality, nutritious food that will aid in its recovery process. Avoid table scraps or high-fat treats, which can cause digestive issues and delay healing.
Consider feeding smaller meals throughout the day instead of one large meal to reduce strain on the incision site.
It is normal for dogs to experience some loss of appetite after surgery due to pain or discomfort. If this persists for more than a day, consult with your veterinarian to ensure there are no underlying issues.
9. When to resume activities after surgery
After surgery, you may wonder when it is safe for your furry friend to resume regular exercise and activities.
Consult with your veterinarian for specific instructions, but here are some general guidelines to remember.
Allow your dog enough time to recover from the surgery before resuming any strenuous physical activity.
This typically takes 7-10 days but can vary based on the size and health of your dog.
Once the initial healing phase has passed, you can slowly add light exercise into their routine.
However, remember that even though they may seem energetic and ready to go, their body is still healing, so it’s important not to overdo it.
Start with short walks or low-impact activities, such as gentle playtime in a controlled environment, indoors, or in a fenced-in yard.
Don’t push your dog too hard after surgery, as doing so can lead to complications such as irritation or infection of the incision site.
Remember that every animal heals at a different pace, so be patient.
Postpone activities like swimming until your dog’s fully healed unless expressly advised by a vet. Water may seem like a low-impact activity, but it can still strain the incision site and hinder healing.
Care for your dog after neutering or spaying to ensure speedy healing
The good news is that most dogs recover quickly after spaying or neutering. Follow these six helpful tips to care for your dog after neutering or spaying and ensure a speedy recovery.
Amy Davis loves her pets. She has a diverse variety, including two cats, one dog, three rabbits, two guinea pigs, a rat, and a beautiful macaw. She loves writing about everything pet-related and spends as much time as possible sharing her personal experiences on her blog, Ultimate Pet Hub.
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