Preparing Your Pet for Spay or Neutering and Aftercare

Spaying or neutering your dog is an excellent way to prevent unintended pregnancy at the dog park or in your backyard. Spaying and neutering reduce the number of dogs and cats in shelters, which is critical for lowering stray animals. This pet surgery has many advantages aside from preventing pregnancy. If you believe your pet needs to be spayed or neutered, you should know how to get ready for the procedure and what to expect afterward.

How to Prepare Your Pet for a Spay or Neuter:

• Feed your pet no later than midnight the night before surgery.
• Inquire with your veterinarian at the puppy checkup if non-surgical medications should be given to your pet on the day of the procedure.
• Keep your pet on a leash or in an appropriate carrier.
• In case of an emergency, please include your best phone number.
• When you check-in, you must pay the remaining balance.

Extensive Post-Operative Care Instructions:

• Your pet should not engage in any strenuous activity for seven to ten days, such as running, jumping, playing, swimming, or exercising.
• Always keep your pet quiet. Inside is the best place for pets because it is warm, dry, and clean.
• While your pet is recovering, you should not give them baths.
• Make sure your dogs are on a leash, and your cats are kept inside.
• Examine the wound twice a day. There should be no drainage. Reduce the severity of the swelling and redness.
• Allow your dog to lick and bite at the wound. If this occurs, ensure your pet wears an Elizabethan collar to prevent them from chewing or licking anything that could make them sick.
• While your pet is recovering, do not change its diet; do not feed them table scraps, milk, or other animals’ leftovers. This could conceal postoperative complications.
• Your dog may experience some light drainage or discharge for up to three days following a scrotal castration.
• Within 24 hours of surgery, appetite should gradually return. Call your regular veterinarian if your pet exhibits prolonged lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea more than twenty-four hours after surgery. Dogs may experience a mild cough for a few days following surgery.
• Make an appointment with your regular veterinarian. 7 to 10 days after the procedure to ensure that the incision is completely healed, to remove any skin sutures, and to discuss any additional requirements, aftercare, preventive care, and booster vaccinations.

Recovery After Spaying Surgery

Most animals will feel better in 24 to 48 hours, but full recovery will take 10 to 14 days. Keep your pet calm and away from jumping to prevent the incision from reopening. Check the wound daily for indications of infection. Call your veterinarian at Valencia Veterinary Center if you notice any swelling, discharge, redness, or offensive odor.

Take note of how your pet acts. After 48 hours, they may have an infection if they are still tired and not eating or drinking. If your pet requires immediate attention, contact your veterinarian or take them to a clinic.

Conclusion

Spaying your female pet is an excellent way to avoid having unwanted kittens or puppies. It can also prevent the development of certain cancers and unhealthy habits.