Hormonal Changes Hormones play a large role in your dog's emotional state, and when surgical procedures disrupt your pet's hormone levels, depression often follows. Dogs who've been spayed or neutered are the most likely to suffer hormonally triggered depression, thanks to the removal of their reproductive organs.
Due to the prevention of sudden hormone changes, a female dog should return to her normal behavior within the first three weeks after spaying. However, spaying does not change your dog's personality. She will not be any less hyper or aggressive after spay surgery if those are her normal personality traits.
The pain medication used while your dog was in hospital, as well as pain medication sent home, can often cause signs of depression. Your dog is likely to be lethargic and less active during the recovery period.
It's normal for your dog to feel a bit tired or queasy immediately after being spayed or neutered because of the anesthesia. Your pooch will also be provided with pain medications to help alleviate any pain. They will also have a reduced appetite for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
Some females become irritable or anxious and others might feel pain. Because spayed dogs don't have to go through these hormonal changes, their behavior may be more consistent. Females may show less aggression towards dogs and humans after they're spayed.
Most incisions will heal within 2 weeks. Your dog will feel the most pain within the first few days, which is why a dog whining 3 days after spay is normal. If your dog is still in pain, talk to your veterinarian. They can prescribe pain relievers if they haven't already.
Spaying your dog reduces any aggressive behavior patterns so your dog will likely be less aggressive toward people and other dogs after spay surgery.
One great way to help your dog recover and enjoy the process is to give them a nice massage. This can help them calm down and can sometimes even help speed up the healing process by removing some of the stress from their body. Check out T-Touch to learn some effective dog massage techniques.
For these, it often takes two to three days for dogs to return to their normal selves after a spay and one to two for a neuter. Dogs over three years of age may take a day or two longer to recover. In many instances, older dogs (over six) can take up to a week to feel completely better after a spay or neuter surgery.
After being spayed or neutered, dogs lack sex-related hormones (like testosterone and estrogen) that are normally produced by the testicles and ovaries. That's a concern, since hormones are important for growth and development.
Many pet owners find their dogs and cats to be more affectionate after they are spayed or neutered. As a pet owner, you stand to benefit in many ways by spaying/neutering your dog or cat. Dogs and cats that have been spayed or neutered are generally happier.
Post-Surgery Home Care for Pets
To prevent any injuries, it is best to keep your pet in a quiet, contained area. Rest is very important in this stage of recovery. It might be necessary to keep your pet contained to a small area for a few days to make sure that they aren't moving around too much.
Cuddles, cuddles and more cuddles
Your dog loves to be by your side, so post-op recovery is a perfect time to cozy up with your pet and relax together.
An age of six to nine months of age may be appropriate for neutering or spaying a toy breed puppy or small breed puppy but a larger or giant breed may need to wait until they are near or over 12-18 months of age.
The symptoms of depression will vary depending on the individual dog and the severity of the problem. There are some key things to look out for, however, including changes in body language during their interactions with people and other pets, decreased appetite, and lethargic behavior.
A sad dog might show a lack of interest in activities that he or she once enjoyed such as going for walks or playing outside. They can also seem withdrawn from people including their owner. Additionally, dogs will hide or avoid people if they are physically injured.
After Spay Surgery
Your pet may be nauseous following the procedure and not want to eat for a day or two. This is normal, and it's important to not force any meals during this time. Some animals may cough after surgery due to irritation caused by the anesthesia tube.
Some amount of pain is normal for dogs that have been spayed immediately following their procedure. While some dogs are able to tolerate pain more than others, don't be surprised if your dog whines or whimpers after being spayed. It's perfectly normal for dogs to whine after being spayed.
Hormones play a large role in your dog's emotional state, and when surgical procedures disrupt your pet's hormone levels, depression often follows. Dogs who've been spayed or neutered are the most likely to suffer hormonally triggered depression, thanks to the removal of their reproductive organs.
It is not necessary to stay up, or sleep next to your pet and you can leave your dog alone after surgery for short periods as long as they aren't likely to lick their stitches. In fact, many dogs will appreciate some quiet time and the opportunity to sleep after the anaesthetic.
After a procedure, a bowel movement can take anywhere from 3-5 days! Although that may seem like a long time for a furbaby that normally poops daily- this is actually a normal reaction to a surgical procedure. When a pet undergoes surgery, bowel motility is slowed down by the anesthetics and opioids that are used.
If your pet has not pooped/peed within 48 hours after surgery, you should visit our clinic during business hours or you should seek out a full service vet clinic (at your expense).