Do not bathe your pet during the recovery period (10 days), or apply topical ointment to the incision site—the surgical glue on the incision will dissolve too quickly if it becomes wet. Pets must be kept indoors where they can stay clean, dry, and warm, although dogs can be walked on a leash to relieve themselves.
This calls for time, rest, and monitoring to ensure the body can complete the repair process, which generally takes about 10 to 14 days. Caring for your dog during this recovery period leaves you with an important job.
How long after neutering before we can take our dog out for walks? We would usually advise that you keep your dog rested for 24-48 hours post surgery with just gentle exercise in the garden. After this we would then advise short lead walks until they are seen for their post op check.
The first week after your dog is spayed or neutered is the critical week where you want to make sure your dog is not playing rough or running or jumping. A few days after the procedure, it is probably OK to involve your pup in controlled leash walks – this includes walking up and down the stairs.
While it is important for dogs to have rest during this time, it's also important for pups to get back into their routine and get some light exercise in. Vets advise you to let your dog rest for up to 48 hours after neutering.
Your pet needs to be kept in an indoor crate/ kennel for most of the day and night for the next 10 days. The time of highest risk for the sutures breaking down is 3-5 days after surgery.
Either way, it is very important that you limit your pet's movements during the 7 to 10 day recovery period, as strenuous activity, such as running, jumping or playing, could disrupt the healing process and even cause the incision to become swollen or open.
The discomfort caused by spay or neuter surgeries usually only lasts a few days and should be gone after a week. If your pet is experiencing pain or discomfort for more than a couple of days you should contact your vet to get further advice.
It is common for your pet to be a little groggy the first night. Your pet may be drowsy for 24-48 hours from the anesthesia. Wearing an e-collar can also appear to be making your pet groggy as they may not want to move with it on.
Following a general anesthetic, some dogs cry and whimper quite loudly. Neutered dogs usually feel some degree of discomfort immediately following their procedure. It is not unusual for your dog to whine or whimper after being neutered, although some dogs can tolerate pain more than others.
A day or two after spaying/neutering, your dog's personality should return to normal. However, you should restrict your dog's activity for seven days after surgery.
While there may be a minor adjustment period as he gets used to the contraption, plan to keep it on him for the two weeks following his surgery or until your veterinarian says it's safe to remove—including during sleep.
Exercise for the mind
Keep your dog busy in ways other than moving around. The possibilities for a mental workout are virtually endless! You can buy food dispensing toys or interactive toys – anything that makes your pup work for food or treats while building problem solving skills.
Male dogs may also develop urinary incontinence, and it can be caused by being neutered. The neutering process involves removing the testicles, which are responsible for producing the male hormone, testosterone. Testosterone, like estrogen, helps control the urinary sphincter and provides the dog with bladder control.
Both neutered and non-neutered dogs will lift their legs, but it is more common for a neutered dog to squat. For the dog, it's all about personal preference and their message.
Many pet owners find their dogs and cats to be more affectionate after they are spayed or neutered.
Yes. During the surgery your dog will be unconscious and not feel any pain however, once they wake up they will require medication to help with pain. When the surgery is complete, your vet will administer pain medications to your dog via an injection. This long-term pain medication should last for about 12-24 hours.
Yes – dogs can sleep, eat, drink, pee, and poop with a cone on. In fact, the stricter you are with the cone (officially called an Elizabethan collar or E-collar for short), the quicker your dog will get used to it.
Alternatives to the “cone of shame” are inflatable collars, soft E-collars and neck brace collars. Try covering the wound with soft fabric secured by medical tape to prevent licking. Keep pets busy with other fun things to distract them from licking wounds.
You can use any shirt that will cover the wound and prevent your dog from licking at it. You can make your own dog cone, too.