Spaying or neutering a dog is an excellent way to prevent unintended pregnancy in the dog park or backyard. Spaying and neutering reduce the number of dogs and cats entering shelters, which is crucial for controlling the population of stray animals. The benefits of this pet surgery extend beyond preventing pregnancy. If your pet requires spaying or neutering, you should know how to prepare for the procedure and what to expect afterward.
How to Prepare Your Cat or Dog for Spay/Neuter Surgical Procedure:
- Avoid feeding your pet after midnight the night before surgery.
- Ask your veterinarian whether your pet’s non-surgical medications need to be administered on the day of the procedure.
- Maintain your pet in an appropriate carrier or on a leash.
- Please provide your best contact number in the event of an emergency.
- Payment is required upon check-in.
Instructions for Postoperative Care in Extensive Detail:
- Ensure your pet doesn’t run, jump, play, swim, or do any other strenuous activity for seven to ten days. Keep your pet quiet at all times.
- Pets should stay inside, where it is possible to keep them warm, dry, and clean. You will not receive baths during your recovery.
- You must keep cats indoors, and dogs must be leashed.
- Examine the injury twice daily. There should be no drainage. Keep redness and swelling to a minimum. Let your dog lick and chew on the wound. If this happens, ensure your pet wears an Elizabethan collar to stop further chewing and licking that might cause an infection.
- Do not change your pet’s diet while recovering; do not feed them table scraps, milk, or other animals’ leftovers. This could conceal complications after surgery.
- After a scrotal castration, your dog may experience minor drainage or discharge for up to three days.
- After dog spaying surgery, appetite should gradually start to return within 24 hours. Consult your regular veterinarian if your pet develops diarrhea, vomiting, or prolonged lethargy more than twenty-four hours after surgery. Following surgery, dogs may experience a light cough for a few days.
- Schedule an appointment with your regular veterinarian 7 to 10 days after the procedure to confirm that the incision has completely healed, to remove any skin sutures, and to discuss any additional requirements, follow-up care, and booster vaccinations at the pet vaccinations clinic.
Recovery After Spaying Surgery
The majority of animals will begin to feel better within 24 to 48 hours, but full recovery will take 10 to 14 days. Keep your pet calm and prevent it from jumping, as this could result in the incision reopening. Check the incision for signs of infection daily. Call your veterinarian if you notice any swelling, discharge, redness, or unpleasant odor.
Observe your pet’s behavior. After 48 hours, it may be an infection if they are still feeling lethargic and not eating or drinking. Consult your pet’s veterinarian or take them to a veterinarian who needs immediate or dental health care.
Conclusion
Spaying your female pet is an excellent way to prevent unwanted kittens or puppies. Additionally, it can discourage unhealthy behaviors and protect against certain cancers.
