Spay and Neuter Aftercare for Dogs

Spay and neuter aftercare for dogs will guide you on what to expect when you bring your dog home from the clinic after he/she is altered.

The vet or vet tech will tell you that your dog will be groggy after surgery, experiencing a "hang-over" of sorts from the anesthesia. As such he may be a little agitated or aggressive. No, this is not a Jekyl-Hyde behavior as a result of the surgery. Your pet will be back to himself when the anesthesia leaves his system entirely. In the meantime, make certain your dog has a comfortable box in a confined, secure place, prepared with clean soft old towels or blankets. Once he's settled, he's likely to sleep it off and will be fine upon awakening. Some dogs will experience a little nausea and vomiting, but this is not a cause for worry (unless you used new towels or blankets!)

At the first mealtime, feed your dog about 1/3 of what you would normally feed. After a fast (your dog has not eaten since dinner before surgery), you need to re-introduce food slowly. The morning following your pup's return home, you may feed her normally.

As to the incision, your dog will clean the incision himself, with his saliva containing a natural anesthetic to relieve discomfort. You don't want your pup picking at the incision as this could cause the wound to re-open and become infected. If necessary, you can purchase and e-collar (looks like a funnel around your dog's head) to prevent this from occurring. Do monitor the incision to make certain it's clean, dry and secure. It's also not unusual for a suture reaction (firm swelling along the sutures) or seroma (a pocket of fluid) to develop at the incision. These will usually resolve within a few weeks without treatment. If you notice redness or a thick discharge at the suture site or the incision has become open, seek veterinary care immediately.

Is there anything you can do to help your dog heal more quickly and comfortably? If your dog will allow, gently apply a small amount of vitamin E oil to the incision site. This will moisturize the area and aid in more rapid healing. Be certain to provide your dog with plenty of fresh, clean water and wholesome food. With good spay and neuter aftercare for your dog, you really will be surprised at the speed with which your pup recovers to her "good-as-new" self!

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