Spay and neuter surgeries are a fairly common procedure for pets. When done correctly, spaying or neutering your pet will not only avoid an unplanned litter of puppies or kittens, but it can also protect your pet from developing painful health conditions in the future. What many new pet owners do not realize is that allowing your pet to heal properly after their spay or neuter surgery is essential to the success of the procedure. The team from Crescent Springs Animal Hospital, an animal clinic in Northern Kentucky, shares some tips for helping your pet heal after spay and neuter surgery.

1. Keep Activity to a Minimum

For the first two weeks after your pet has been spayed or neutered, it is imperative to keep their activity to a minimum. While keeping a young puppy or kitten still for two weeks may seem daunting, it is a necessary part of the healing process. Too much movement may cause your pet’s sutures to burst. Keep your pet safe by encouraging rest and relaxation during this time. 

2. Check the Incision Twice Daily

As previously stated, any damage to the incision or sutures can be dangerous for your pet. In order to ensure that the area is healing properly, have your pet roll over so you can check their incision twice a day. Some swelling, redness, and light bruising is normal, especially in the days following the procedure. However, if you notice any extreme swelling, bleeding, deep bruising, or discharge at the incision, contact an animal hospital right away to check that the wound is not infected. 

3. Keep E-Collars On

E-collars—otherwise known as Elizabethan collars or “the cone”—should be kept on at virtually all times in the two weeks following the spay or neuter procedure. E-collars keep your pet from picking, scratching, or biting their incision or sutures, which protects your pet from developing an infection at the incision site. Some pet owners like to give pets a break from the cone for an hour or so each day; if you choose to do this, only do so when you can directly monitor your pet’s behavior.

If you are interested in scheduling a spay or neuter procedure for your pet, call (859) 331-6608 to make an appointment. For more information on post-surgical care or to learn about other services offered by Crescent Springs Animal Hospital, visit their website today.