We know it can be hard deciding to have your adorable male pooch neutered but, these procedures are routine for our vets and they are fairly easy for your dog to recover from. Today, our Grand Prairie vets discuss the importance of neutering procedures for dogs and how you can help your dog manage any pain or discomfort they might be feeling during their recovery period.
It's a Good Choice to Make
It might not appear this way to you right now, but the emotions you are feeling about having your dog neutered or spayed are worth it for both you and your pup.
There are many health benefits from getting your dog fixed, and it can help prevent a handful of undesirable behaviors including mounting, animal aggression, and roaming.
Neutering or spaying your dog also helps prevent the birth of unwanted puppies. Every year in the United States an estimated 3.3 million dogs are brought into animal shelters. Having your male dog neutered or female dog spayed will help lower the number of unwanted pets in your region
Is it safe to have my dog spayed or neutered?
Yes. These surgeries are common veterinary medical procedures that the majority of vets have lots of experience performing. But, as it is with humans, whenever a pet is placed under anesthesia for surgery, there are some risks involved. Your veterinarian will monitor your dog closely during the procedure and watch for any signs of possible complications or illness.
What's the difference between spay and neuter surgeries?
Both spaying or neutering refers to a surgical procedure that renders your pet unable to produce litters of puppies. Both surgeries however are often referred to as neutering or being 'fixed'.
Spaying is the surgical sterilization of a female animal through the removal of both ovaries and the uterus, while under general anesthesia.
The neutering or castration of male dogs involves the surgical removal of the testicles under general anesthesia.
My dog is in pain after being neutered/spayed, how can I comfort them?
After your pup's surgery, you will want to help them rest and feel as comfortable as possible. Below we have listed some ways you can help your pup stay comfortable after they have been neutered:
- After surgery, make sure your dog has a quiet place to recover inside and away from other animals.
- For the first two weeks after the spay or neuter surgery, you will need to keep your pooch from running and jumping. Remember to listen to your vet's advice regarding activity following these procedures, since your dog will require further restrictions.
- Have your dog wear a post-operative jumpsuit (recovery suit) or a cone (Elizabethan collar) to prevent your pet from licking the incision site. Licking the incision may cause infection.
- In order for your dog's incision to heal properly and as quickly as possible, don't bathe your dog (or allow them to swim) for at least ten days after surgery.
- Be sure to check the incision site daily to check for signs of infection and to ensure that the incision is healing well.
Call your vet if you see any signs of redness, swelling, or discharge at the surgery site, or if the incision has opened. Also, contact your vet if your dog appears to be lethargic, stops eating, starts vomiting, or has diarrhea.
How long will my dog be in pain after neutering or spaying?
Spaying your female dog is somewhat more involved than neutering males, however, it should take about the same amount of time to recover from either surgery.
Immediately following surgery your dog may be tired, queasy, or just not seem like their usual self - those are pretty typical side effects of general anesthesia. The next day your pet should begin behaving more like themselves and be showing little sign of pain or discomfort.
Discomfort caused by spay or neuter surgeries lasts for just 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 it's a good idea to contact your vet for further advice.
Will my dog be given pain medications after their surgery?
Yes. While your dog will be unconscious and not feel any pain during the surgery, they will need medications to help them manage their pain after the procedure. At the end of the surgery, your vet will administer pain medications to your dog via an injection. This long-term pain medication should last for about 12-24 hours.
Your vet will prescribe any take-home medications they feel will be required to help relieve post-operative pain for your dog. Some common medications prescribed by vets to help manage pain after spay or neuter surgery include Torbugesic or Rimadyl.
Follow your vet's instructions carefully when it comes to giving your dog pain medications. Never administer human pain medications to your dog! Many pain medications that work for humans are poisonous to dogs.
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.