It's important to ensure that your dog undergoes spaying or neutering procedures for their preventive care. These procedures help protect them from serious diseases and prevent unwanted litter. Our vets in Baton Rouge can provide guidance on the benefits of this surgery and help you recognize signs of infection post-surgery.
What to expect after neutering or spaying your dog?
Immediately following the spaying or neutering procedure, your dog may feel under the weather and fatigued. Your veterinarian will furnish you with prescription medications to alleviate your dog's discomfort. During the initial 24 hours post-procedure, your dog's appetite may diminish.
Moreover, your dog will need to wear a cone to deter them from licking the incision site, and you should refrain from bathing them or allowing them to swim for at least 10-14 days. It's imperative to maintain cleanliness and dryness of the incision until complete healing occurs.
What to expect the first night?
The first night after your dog undergoes spaying or neutering, you can expect them to feel groggy and lethargic due to the effects of anesthesia. They may also experience some discomfort or pain at the surgical site. Your veterinarian will likely provide you with pain medication to help manage any discomfort. It's normal for your dog to have a reduced appetite and to be less active than usual during this time.
To ensure your dog's comfort and safety, you should create a quiet and cozy area for them to rest. This could be a comfortable bed or crate in a quiet room where they can sleep undisturbed. It's essential to monitor your dog closely for any signs of complications, such as excessive bleeding, swelling, or discharge from the incision site, as well as signs of pain or distress.
If you have any concerns or notice any unusual symptoms, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian for guidance. With proper care and attention, your dog should begin to recover and feel better in the days following the surgery.
Signs of an Infection or Complication After Spaying or Neutering Your Dog
While it is uncommon for dogs to experience complications following spaying or neutering, there is always a certain level of risk involved with any surgical procedure. To ensure your dog recovers quickly and with minimal complications, it is crucial to follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully. Failure to do so could result in longer recovery times and potentially serious complications and infections.
Some of the complications that may arise following spaying or neutering include:
- Infection
- Poorly healed wound
- Self-inflicted complications
- Anestetic complications
- Incontinence problems
- Hernias in females
- Scrotal bruising/swelling in males
- Ovarian remnants in females
- Internal bleeding
Some of the typical symptoms that indicate a complication are as follows:
- A bad smell coming from the incision site
- Acute redness, swelling, or bruising at the incision site
- Lethargy for more than a couple of days
- Refusal to eat more than a couple of meals
- The incision site reopens
- Signs of pain for longer than a week (shaking, hiding, drooling)
- Vomiting or diarrhea longer than 24 hours after the procedure (some immediately after can be normal as a result of anesthesia)
- Bleeding or pus from the incision site
Your vet will provide you with more information on what you can expect immediately after the procedure, including some minor swelling, lethargy, and vomiting. If you spot any of the signs listed above you should contact your vet or get your dog to the nearest emergency animal hospital right away.
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.