Deciding to spay or neuter your dog is a big step, and concerns about potential complications may be on your mind. Rest assured, the chances of encountering any issues are extremely low. Nevertheless, our team at Katten TrimSalon would like to discuss what you can expect after spaying/neutering your furry friend and provide you with information about the signs of complications or infection that you should be aware of.
What to Expect After Your Dog’s Procedure
Your dog may feel a little queasy or tired immediately after the procedure, which is a normal effect of the anesthesia. Pain medications will be given to help alleviate any discomfort. It’s also normal for your dog’s appetite to be reduced during the first 24 hours. Your dog will have to wear a cone to prevent them from licking at the incision site, and it’s important not to bathe them or allow them to swim for at least 10-14 days. Keeping the incision site dry until it heals is critical.
It’s essential to limit your dog’s activities and ensure they get plenty of rest until they fully recover. Even if they try to run or jump, it doesn’t mean they are healing faster. Dogs don’t understand the need for rest, so it’s up to you to restrict their movements. This may involve keeping them in their crate or a small room away from any excitement.
The procedure for spaying female dogs is more complex than neutering male dogs, but their recovery time should be about the same – approximately 10-14 days. Keeping their cone on, the incision site dry, and their activities limited until they make a full recovery is crucial.
Signs of Infection and Complications
While it is incredibly rare for complications to occur after a spay/neuter procedure, like any surgical procedure, there is always some level of risk involved. This is why it’s vital to carefully follow your veterinarian’s post-operative care instructions. Failure to do so could put your dog at risk for a longer recovery period and potentially other complications and infections. Some possible complications following a spay and neuter procedure include:
- Infection
- Anesthetic complications
- Self-inflicted complications
- Poorly healed wound
- Scrotal bruising/swelling in males
- Incontinence problems
- Hernias in females
- Internal bleeding
- Ovarian remnants in females
Below are the signs of infection and complications that you need to watch out for:
- Lethargy lasting more than a couple of days.
- Refusal to eat more than a couple of meals.
- Signs of pain lasting longer than a week (shaking, hiding, drooling).
- Acute redness, swelling, or bruising at the incision site.
- Bleeding or pus from the incision site.
- Vomiting or diarrhea lasting longer than 24 hours after the procedure (some immediate post-procedure vomiting can be normal due to anesthesia).
- The incision site reopens.
- A foul smell coming from the incision site.
Your vet will provide you with more detailed information about what to expect after the procedure, including minor swelling, lethargy, and vomiting immediately afterward. However, if you notice any of the above signs of a complication in your dog, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Still Have Questions or Concerns?
If you have any further questions about what to expect from your dog’s spay or neuter procedure or if your pup is showing any signs of complications, don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team at Katten TrimSalon. We’re here to help ensure the health and well-being of your furry companion.