Spaying or neutering your dog is a crucial pet surgery decision to make. Usually, your vet will recommend that this surgery take place around the eight-week mark for females and around six months for males. No matter how old your pup is when they get neutered or spayed, it’s important to know what to expect afterward. The guide below discusses a few do’s and don’ts after pet surgery. 

Do:

Schedule your appointment for the morning.

By getting your dog to the clinic first thing in the morning, the surgery can be performed right away, and you can retrieve your pet later that day. This prevents prolonged distress and anxiety your pet may feel by being in a strange facility. You also won’t have to worry about overnight boarding stress since you’ll be getting your dog back that same day.

Have a safe place for them to recover at home. 

When your pet arrives back home, they may still be a little groggy from the anesthesia. Provide a safe and comfortable place for them in their kennel or crate, so they can rest and not be bothered or excited easily.

Keep them in a room where they can still see you. Provide them with plenty of water and a plush bed so they can sleep comfortably. 

Don’t:

Encourage rough play for a few days.

If you have more than one pet, keep them separated for a few days to reduce stress and play. Dogs love to play with one another, but playing too roughly can cause the spaying or neutering sutures to open up, leading you to an unexpected visit to the vet’s office.

You should also keep your dog’s daily walks to a minimum for a few days and carry them up and down the stairs to avoid rubbing their bellies or opening up their incisions.

Bathe your dog for at least two weeks.

Giving them a bath too soon after spaying or neutering is another chance for opening up the incisions. An open wound could lead to infections, which will require more downtime and medications.

Instead, bathe your dog a few days ahead of their surgery to ensure that they will be clean for several weeks. Inspect their incisions and scars three weeks after the pet surgery to ensure they’ve healed before putting them in the tub.

As a responsible pet owner, spaying or neutering is the best way to ensure your dog’s safety and health. If you’re looking for a reliable family-friendly veterinary clinic in Daleville, VA, turn to Pet Health Clinic. Their staff offers various services, including vaccinations, spaying and neutering, behavioral counseling, and flea control. To schedule an appointment for your dog, call (540) 992-4550 or visit their website for more information.