Bringing your dog home after a spay or neuter surgery can be nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to be! With the right care, they’ll be back to their happy, playful self in no time. Post-surgery care is crucial to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. Here’s everything you need to know about how to care for your dog after neutering or spay surgery.
Reminder: Listen to YOUR Vet
Your vet knows the procedures they use to spay and neuter, as well your pet better than we can. This advice is general advice and may not match your pet’s exact needs.
Keep Your Dog Calm and Rested
You have probably heard your vet say to keep your pet “quiet” after a procedure. This doesn’t mean to keep them from making any noise, rather it’s about keeping them contained. After surgery, your dog needs plenty of rest. Keep them in a quiet, comfortable area away from other pets and distractions. Too much movement—like jumping, running, or playing—can strain the incision and slow down healing. Try to limit their activity for at least 10 to 14 days, as recommended by your vet.
If your dog is particularly energetic, consider using a crate or a small, enclosed space to prevent excessive movement. Short, controlled leash walks for bathroom breaks are fine, but avoid stairs and rough play.
Monitor the Incision Site
Checking the incision site daily is one of the most important parts of post-surgery care. Look for signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or any opening of the stitches. A little bit of pinkness and slight swelling are normal, but anything excessive could signal an infection. If you notice pus, excessive bleeding, or a bad odor, contact your vet immediately. Also, ensure the incision stays dry—no baths or swimming until your vet gives the okay.
If you have any questions about your pet’s progress, don’t hesitate to call your vet!
Prevent Licking and Biting
Dogs naturally want to lick their wounds, but licking can introduce bacteria and cause infections. To prevent this, your vet may provide an Elizabethan collar (you probably know it as the “cone of shame”) or suggest an inflatable collar as a more comfortable alternative.
If your dog seems particularly determined to get to the incision, you might need to supervise them closely or use a soft recovery suit. Keep the cone on as long as your vet recommends—usually 10 to 14 days.
Manage Pain and Discomfort
Your vet will likely prescribe pain medication to help with post-surgery discomfort. Follow the dosage instructions carefully, and never give your dog human medications, as many are toxic to pets.
Signs your dog may be in pain include whining, panting, restlessness, or a lack of appetite. If your dog seems excessively uncomfortable even with medication, contact your vet to discuss alternative options.
Encourage Eating and Drinking
Your dog might not be very interested in food right after surgery, but it’s important they eat and stay hydrated. Offer a small meal a few hours after bringing them home, and make sure fresh water is always available. If they refuse food for more than 24 hours, contact your vet.
Stick to their regular diet and avoid giving them rich treats or table scraps, which could upset their stomach. If nausea is an issue, your vet may recommend a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice for a day or two. Nausea may be complicated by the pain medicines prescribed by your vet, so be sure to talk it over with them before you bring your pet home.
Watch for Unusual Behavior
It’s normal for dogs to be a little groggy or disoriented after surgery, but they should start to perk up within 24 hours. If your dog is extremely lethargic, refuses to eat or drink, has vomiting or diarrhea, or seems in severe pain, call your vet.
Other concerning symptoms include difficulty breathing, pale gums, or sudden swelling around the surgical area. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it’s better to check with your vet.
Limit Exercise and Playtime
Even if your dog starts feeling better quickly, they still need to take it easy. Avoid running, jumping, and roughhousing with other pets for at least two weeks. Overexertion can cause the incision to open or lead to complications like internal bleeding. After about 10 days, you can gradually reintroduce light activity, but follow your vet’s timeline before returning to full exercise.
Provide Extra Comfort and Attention
Your dog may feel a little confused or anxious post-surgery. Offering extra love and attention can help them feel secure. Keep their bedding clean and comfortable, speak to them in a soothing tone, and give them gentle pets and reassurance.
Some dogs may be clingier than usual, while others might prefer solitude. Let your pup take the lead in deciding how much attention they need. After all, we as people don’t all behave the same when we’re feeling unwell, right?
Follow Up with Your Vet
Most vets schedule a follow-up visit about 10 to 14 days after surgery to check the incision and make sure everything is healing properly. Keep this appointment, even if everything looks fine. If you have any concerns before the check-up, don’t hesitate to call your vet.
Knowing how to care for your dog after neutering or spay surgery helps give your pet a smooth recovery and prevents complications. Keep them calm, monitor the incision, prevent licking, and follow your vet’s instructions. Before you know it, your pup will be back to its usual self, happy and healthy!
Need a vet in the Tucson area? Acoma Animal Clinic Tucson is here to help. Contact us today.
