While having your dog neutered isn't mandatory, it is recommended for a number of reasons. Even so, it's important to keep in mind that it is a surgery and your pain may need pain management during recovery. Here, our Egg Harbor Township vets talk about spay and neuter surgery for dogs and how to comfort a dog that is in pain.
The Importance of Reproductive Surgery
Making the decision to have your dog neutered can be tough. Surgery of any type is a big deal and you're likely thinking considering any pain that your dog may feel. However, this preventive measure is needed for a number of reasons.
Having your dog neutered may help to curb behaviors that are problematic or undesirable like roaming mounting and aggression. It may also offer a number of preventive health benefits for your dog and put a stop to the chances of unwanted litters.
Approximately 3.3 million dogs enter US shelters every year! Having your dog neutered is the best way for you to help reduce the overall number of unwanted pets in your neighborhood.
Is neutering surgery safe for dogs?
Neuter surgeries are one of the most commonly performed veterinary surgeries. Our vets have extensive experience performing these procedures.
This also makes these some of the safest surgeries for your dog. With that being said, whenever an animal is placed under anesthesia for a procedure, there is some risk involved. Throughout your pet's procedure, your veterinarian and surgical team will closely monitor your dog and be on the lookout for signs of illness or possible complications as they arise.
What is the difference between having a dog spayed or neutered?
With spaying and neutering, the desired outcome is the same. Your furry friend will be able to reproduce. This means that female dogs will be unable to become pregnant and birth puppies and male dogs will be unable to father puppies. Here is some information on each of these procedures:
Neuter: The neutering or castration of male dogs involves the surgical removal of the testicles while the dog is under general anesthesia.
Spay: Spaying is the surgical sterilization of a female animal through the removal of both ovaries and the uterus, while under general anesthesia.
Ways to Comfort Your Dog After Surgery
We aim to keep your pet as comfortable as possible, both during and after their surgery. Here are a few of the things you can do to help comfort your dog after they have been neutered.
- Provide your pup with a safe, calm, and quiet spot to rest and recover after surgery.
- Try and prevent your dog from jumping, running, or climbing stairs for two weeks after their neuter. Follow your vet's instructions closely regarding activity after these procedures, since your pup may require further restrictions.
- Even if you feel like your dog is looking sad, it's important to have them wear a post-operative jumpsuit (if your vet prescribed it) or cone to prevent them from licking their incision site. Licking their surgical incision may lead to infection.
- In order 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 your dog's incision site every day for possible signs of infection to ensure that their 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
You may notice that your dog is a little 'out of it' when you pick them up from the vet. They may also be queasy. These are pretty typical side effects of general anesthesia. The next day, your pet should start behaving more like themselves and show only very minor signs 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.
What can you do to help your dog's pain after surgery?
During your dog's surgery, they will be placed under anesthesia and won't feel any pain. Once they wake up, our vets will provide them with further medication as required. Veterinarians administer pain medications to your dog by injection. This long-lasting pain medication should last anywhere from 12 to 24 hours after surgery is complete.
If you are wondering 'What can I give my dog for pain after surgery?' Luckily, your vet will be a valuable resource when it comes to giving your dog pain meds after surgery.
Your vet will also prescribe your dog pain medication to manage pain after their neutering surgery. 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 very important that you follow your veterinarian's instructions very closely when it comes to giving your dog pain medications. Make sure you never give your pup any human pain medications, either. Some pain medications that are designed for humans are incredibly toxic for 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.