Deciding Is The First Step
So, you’ve decided to neuter your pet. Great choice! It’s important to be proactive with this step. The first thing that comes to mind might be preventing unwanted pregnancies or keeping your dog from running off, yards over, to meet with a fellow dog—but there are also other benefits such as hormone balancing and prevention of cancer. In this article we are focusing on how to best accommodate your pet post-surgery.
A Concerted Effort
Neutering a dog creates a partnership. Dr. Rastetter does her part by ensuring your furry family member is well taken care of before, during, and immediately after surgery. You can do your part by fully understanding all the measures you can take for a successful recovery. This includes the correct timing of water and food, incision site care, and vigilance for symptoms. After reading this article, you’ll know exactly how to care for your dog after neutering.
Detailed Instructions
Your pet will be sent home with thorough directions after their neuter that will help guide your caretaking as they recover. Often, these detailed notes make pet parents feel more secure and empowered in their aftercare.
Highlights of Care
After a neuter, It’s very important to limit your dog’s activity for seven days. Keep your dog quiet in a cage or a small room like a bathroom. No running, jumping, playing, or swimming. Very short leash walks for elimination only are allowed. If you think you’ll have difficulty keeping your dog inactive, please contact Dr. Rastetterregarding purchasing go-home anti-anxiety medication. The big things to watch out for include pale gums, vomiting, diarrhea, discharge or bleeding from the incision, difficulty urinating, incision opens, labored breathing, lethargy lasting for more than 24 hours. Contact Dr. Rastetter immediately if any occur.
Here are more tidbits to keep in mind:
- While some redness and swelling are expected, there should be no drainage. There may be slight bleeding for the first 24 hours.
- Those after surgery collars aren’t just a fun fashion accessory! They keep your dog from licking or chewing at the incision site, which can cause infection or keep the spot from healing properly.
- If your pup cooperates, try icing the area for 15 minutes several times a day on and off during the first 48 hours.
- Good news! No stitch removal necessary. Dr. Rastetter uses dissolvable sutures.
- Keep your pup inside to stay clean, dry, and warm.
Avoid Extras
We know it can be rough to see your pup anxious or uncomfortable, but do not administer over-the-counter pain medications which can be very dangerous. Your dog has received pain medication at the time of surgery and some to be administered at home in food. Also, please do not clean or use any ointments to the surgical site. Your dog’s body will heal the incision on its own.
Post-Surgery Check-In
A little unsure if the incision is healing well? Reach out to your veterinarian! Make sure to include vital details like your and your pet’s name, the date of the surgery, and any questions you have or details you’re observing. Include a picture of your dog’s incision if you are concerned with its appearance.
Not So Fast!
Sure, your dog is neutered now, but there is a waiting period for the cache to be cleared. Male dogs can still impregnate a female dog for up to one month after surgery. Also, please keep females that were in heat away from non-neutered males for two weeks. While they are unable to become pregnant, they will still attract males. If a male attempts to breed the female, it can cause life-threatening damage to the female.
Feel Free to Ask
If you have any questions after reading through all of this, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask. Dr. Rastetter is always glad to review your unique case and give you tailored answers on how to best keep your pet healthy and happy.