With spay and neuter procedures, we can prevent unwanted litters, curb undesirable behavior, and even protect your dog against some diseases. In this post, our veterinarians explain how your pooch will feel after surgery.
Why Spaying or Neutering Your Dog is Important
While you may not completely see how important the spaying or neutering process is for your dog right now, going through this potentially emotional process is worth it - both for you as a caring pet parent and for your beloved four-legged friend.
Along with the obvious function of preventing the birth of unwanted puppies, having your dog spayed or neutered can help curb undesirable behaviors such as animal aggression, mounting and roaming. It could also benefit your dog's health in a number of ways.
About 3.3 million enter shelters across the United States every year. By having your dog spayed or neutered, you can help reduce the overall number of unwanted pets in your community.
Reproductive Surgeries Are Common & Considered Safe for Dogs
Most vets will have lots of experience performing spay and neuter surgeries as they are common medical procedures. While these surgeries are considered very safe for most cats and dogs, just like with people there is some level of risk involved whenever an animal is put under anesthesia for a procedure. During your pet's procedure, the surgical team and veterinarian will monitor your dog closely and watch for any signs of possible complications or illness.
The Difference Between Spay & Neuter Surgery
'Spaying' and 'neutering' are the medical names for surgical procedures that cause your pet to be unable to produce puppies. Many people may refer to both surgeries as 'neutering' or being 'fixed'.
Neuter: The castration or neutering of male dogs involves surgically removing the testicles while the dog is under general anesthesia.
Spay: This is the surgical sterilization of a female dog by removing both ovaries and the uterus while the animal is under general anesthesia.
Ways to Comfort Your Dog After Surgery
Following your dog's spay or neuter surgery, your pet should experience minimal pain, but we know that you will want to help your pet to rest and feel as comfortable as possible. Here are a few things that you can do to help comfort your dog after being fixed:
- Ensure that your dog has a quiet place to recover indoors and away from other animals and small children.
- Prevent your dog from running, jumping, or climbing stairs for two weeks following the spay or neuter surgery. Follow your vet's instructions regarding activity after these procedures, since your dog may require further restrictions.
- Even if you feel like your dog looks sad, it's important to have your pooch wear a post-operative jumpsuit (recovery suit) or a cone (Elizabethan collar) to prevent your pup from licking the incision site. Licking the incision could lead to infection.
- For your dog's incision to heal as quickly as possible, do not bathe your dog (or allow your dog to swim) for at least ten days after spaying or neutering.
- Check the incision site daily for any possible signs of infection and to ensure that the incision is healing well.
Contact your vet if you spot any redness, swelling, or discharge at the incision site, or if the incision has opened. Symptoms such as lack of energy, reluctance to eat, vomiting or diarrhea also signal the need to call your vet.
How Long Your Dog Will Be In Pain After Neutering or Spaying
When you pick your pooch up from the vet's office after their surgery, your dog may be tired, queasy, or just not seem like their usual self - those are pretty typical side effects of general anesthesia. The next day your pet should begin behaving more like themselves and be showing little sign of pain.
The pain associated with spay or neuter surgeries is typically more of a discomfort and may last for just a few days and should be completely gone after about a week. If your pet is experiencing pain or discomfort for more than a couple of days it's a good idea to contact your vet for further advice.
Spay surgeries are somewhat more involved than neutering. However, it should take about the same amount of time to recover from either of these surgeries.
Helping With Your Dog's Pain After Neutering
During the surgery, your dog will be unconscious and not feel any pain. Once your dog wakes up further medication will be provided by your vet, as required. Veterinarians administer pain medications to your dog via an injection. This long-term pain medication should last for about 12-24 hours after surgery is complete.
Your vet will also prescribe any take-home pain meds they feel that your dog will need to help relieve post-operative pain. Some of the most common medications prescribed to help manage a dog's pain after spay or neuter surgery include Torbugesic or Rimadyl.
It's essential to follow your vet's instructions carefully when it comes to giving your dog pain medications. Never give your dog human pain medications! Some pain medications that work for humans are poisonous to dogs.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.