Spay and neuter surgeries are a crucial part of preventive care, helping to protect your dog against serious diseases and preventing unwanted puppies. Here, our Egg Harbor Township vets talk about reproductive surgery and the signs of infection after your dog has been spayed or neutered.
What to Expect After Your Dog is Spayed or Neutered
Right after being spayed or neutered, your dog will likely feel unwell and a little tired. Your vet will provide you with prescription medications to help alleviate your dog's pain. They will also have a reduced appetite for the first 24 hours after the procedure. In addition to this, your dog will need to wear a cone to keep them from licking at the incision site. And, you shouldn't bathe them or allow them to swim for a minimum of 10-14 days. You will need to keep the incision clean and dry until it is fully healed.
Your dog will also need to rest and avoid excessive activity until they've recovered. Even if they try to run or jump, it doesn't mean they are healing quicker, dogs don't know that they need to rest. You can restrict their movements by keeping them in their crate or a small room, away from any excitement.
Having a female dog spayed is also more complex than neutering male dogs, but their recovery time should be about the same which is approximately 10 - 14 days. It's essential to keep their cone on, the incision site dry, and their activities limited until they make a full recovery.
Signs of an Infection or Complication After Spaying or Neutering Your Dog
Keep in mind that it's very rare for dogs to develop any complications after being spayed or neutered but, with every surgical procedure, there is an element of risk involved. By following your vet's instructions very carefully, you can help to ensure that your dog heals quickly and with a lower chance of complications. By not following them you are putting your beloved pooch at risk for a longer recovery period and potentially other complications and infections.
Some of the complications that can occur after a dog is spayed or neutered include:
- Infection
- Poorly healed wound
- Self-inflicted complications
- Anestetic complications
- Incontinence problems
- Hernias in females
- Scrotal bruising/swelling in males
- Ovarian remnants in females
- Internal bleeding
Some of the typical symptoms that indicate a complication are as follows:
- A bad smell coming from the incision site
- Acute redness, swelling, or bruising at the incision site
- Lethargy for more than a couple of days
- Refusal to eat more than a couple of meals
- The incision site reopens
- Signs of pain for longer than a week (shaking, hiding, drooling)
- Vomiting or diarrhea longer than 24 hours after the procedure (some immediately after can be normal as a result of anesthesia)
- Bleeding or pus from the incision site
Your vet will provide you with more information on what you can expect immediately after the procedure, including some minor swelling, lethargy, and vomiting. If you spot any of the signs listed above you should contact your vet or get your dog to the nearest emergency animal hospital right away.
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.