• Ask A Vet Online 24/7
  • Fitness
    • Mobility
    • Playing
    • Running
    • Weight
  • Health
    • Allergies
    • Digestive System
    • Diseases
    • Ears
    • Handicap
    • Nutrition
    • Parasites
    • Reproduction
    • Supplements
    • Urinary System
    • Vision
  • Care
    • Adoption
    • Bedding
    • Cleaning supplies
    • Kitten
    • Pet insurance
    • Puppy
    • Safety
    • Senior
  • Fun & Play
    • Gadgets
    • Games
    • Treats
  • Training
    • Manners
    • Obedience
    • Rehabilitation
  • Behavior
    • Psychology
    • Travel
  • Grooming
    • Bathing
    • Fur
    • Skin
    • Style
  • Login
  • Register
  • Share This Page
  • Search
  • Ask A Vet Online 24/7
  • Fitness
    • Mobility
    • Playing
    • Running
    • Weight
  • Health
    • Allergies
    • Digestive System
    • Diseases
    • Ears
    • Handicap
    • Nutrition
    • Parasites
    • Reproduction
    • Supplements
    • Urinary System
    • Vision
  • Care
    • Adoption
    • Bedding
    • Cleaning supplies
    • Kitten
    • Pet insurance
    • Puppy
    • Safety
    • Senior
  • Fun & Play
    • Gadgets
    • Games
    • Treats
  • Training
    • Manners
    • Obedience
    • Rehabilitation
  • Behavior
    • Psychology
    • Travel
  • Grooming
    • Bathing
    • Fur
    • Skin
    • Style
  • Home
  • Health
  • How To Care Of Your Dog After Spaying Surgery
Categories:
  • Health
  • Puppy
  • Rehabilitation

How To Care Of Your Dog After Spaying Surgery

Kim

January 1, 2021
Like 6
Categories:
  • Health
  • Puppy
  • Rehabilitation
SHARE THIS PAGE

How To Care Of Your Dog After Spaying Surgery

Just so you know, this post may contain affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through links on this page, OurFitPets may collect a share of the sale or other compensation. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Is your dog about to be spayed? If so, you may have a few questions on what to expect, how to care for her, etc. It can be a scary time for pet parents. We’ve put together a guide to help you both get through the recovery period! And remember, your vet will also be ready to help with any questions or concerns you may have.

Spaying and the Responsible Pet Parent

Check Price on Amazon

Many people are still afraid to have their pets fixed; however, it’s one of the best things you can do as a responsible pet parent. Spaying your fur baby will help control the number of homeless pets that are born each year. You can help keep these pets from ending in shelters and being euthanized.

Spaying also has some medical benefits:

  • Your pretty girl won’t have to go into heat again.
  • She’ll live a longer healthier life if she’s fixed.
  • You’ll save your fur baby from certain types of cancer, which can develop later in life.
  • Your pup won’t have to go through pyometras, a type of uterine infection that can be life-threatening and expensive to treat.

These are a few of the reasons be a responsible pet parent and have your canine companion fixed.

What is Spaying?

Check Price on Amazon

Spaying is a type of surgery for female dogs, in which the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus are removed. This is generally done to keep her from reproducing and to help improve her overall health in the years to come. The surgery typically takes about 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the dog’s health, age, etc. After the surgery, your pet’s body will no longer produce the hormones associated with reproduction. These hormones can sometimes cause health issues for dogs later in life, including certain types of cancer.

You may be wondering if there’s risk involved with this type of surgery. The short answer is yes. Any surgery—major or not—carries some risk. However, rest assured that this type of surgery is very routine and is generally safe for most pets. Your vet will possibly give your dog a physical before surgery to make sure she’s healthy. The physical may involve blood work to make sure there are no underlying health issues, too.

Caring for Your Dog After Spaying

What to expect after spaying a dog? It’s important to understand that your dog has just undergone surgery. This is a major surgery—unlike neutering for male dogs. After the surgery, the vet will give you instructions on how to care for your pup. Your vet will possibly give your dog a physical before surgery to make sure she’s healthy. The physical may involve blood work to make sure there are no underlying health issues, too.

How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Recover from Being Spayed?

Check Price on Amazon

The average recovery time after spaying is generally about two weeks; however, this will vary by each individual dog. If the incision is somehow irritated or damaged, this will extend your pup’s recovery time. Smaller dogs tend to have a faster recovery than larger dogs. Also, dogs that are older may also need a longer time to recover. Your vet will let you know how the surgery went and advise you on how long the recovery period will be for your special fur baby.

Spaying Post-Op Care Tips

After her surgery, your pup will need some tender loving care, plus you’ll need to watch for any problems or health issues that may come up during this time. Your dog will have an incision and stitches which will need to be watched and cared for. Here’s what you can do to help your fur baby during recovery.

Here are some common things to expect after your pup has surgery:

1. Coming home: your vet may let you pick up your dog and bring her home the day of the surgery; however, the vet may choose to keep her overnight for observation. This may be the vet’s normal practice for post-op care, but if your pup is having any issues after surgery, expect she may need to stay with the vet at least a day or so.

2. The infamous collar/cone: your dog may be fitted with a collar after surgery. This is placed around her neck to keep her from chewing the stitches and/or her incision. While this doesn’t look comfortable and your dog may not like it, be sure to leave the collar/cone on for the time period specified by your vet.

3. Incision & stitches: your canine companion will have an incision that runs from her navel (yes, dogs have navels!) toward her hindquarters. The incision length will vary from dog to dog as it depends on where their organs are located, how enlarged they may be, etc. Your pup will also have stitches that are used to close the wound—be sure she doesn’t bite or chew her stitches, as this could reopen the wound, which could possibly lead to infection.

4. Pain: some dogs have more discomfort than others after the surgery. Your vet may prescribe pain relievers to help ease your pup’s pain. Some vets don’t prescribe pain medicine. If your fur baby seems to be very uncomfortable, be sure to call the vet and let them know. They may go ahead and prescribe medicine to make her feel more comfortable.

5. Nausea and vomiting: your dog will have had anesthesia, which can cause nausea and vomiting post- surgery. If she doesn’t feel like eating the first day or so after surgery, don’t force her to eat. Just monitor how she’s doing and if she doesn’t start eating by day 3, then be sure to call the vet and let him know.

 When You Get Home

Check Price on Amazon

Before she comes home, you may want to set up a comfortable, dark area for your pup to rest. It’s a good idea to make sure her resting spot is set up in a more contained space. This will help to keep her movements to a minimum in order to allow her to heal. You might use a dog bed or comfortable blanket—whatever she normal likes to sleep on is best. Familiar things will help her feel better and rest more comfortably. Make sure the floor is covered with newspapers or some other material, as your fur baby may have potty accidents after her surgery.

Keep the area clean and dry in order to help her rest and to keep her incision clean and dry.

Going home is a joy for you—to bring your fur baby home once again! Remember, she will still be feeling the effects of anesthesia. She may not be able to show her happiness at seeing you and going back home. That’s OK and this is normal. Don’t take it personally. Your pup may be a little disoriented and sleep after surgery. She may also experience nausea and vomiting. All of this is normal; however, if you believe your dog is experiencing any unusual symptoms, be sure to call the vet and let them know as soon as possible. Your fur baby will need to stay quiet as she heals. That means no excessive exercise or playtimes, no jumping or running, etc. These activities could reopen her incision. She’ll need to stay quiet during most of the 2-week recovery time.

Giving medication after spaying operation

Check Price on Amazon

If your vet has prescribed medications, be sure to give these to your pup exactly as directed and on time. Medications may include an antibiotic to prevent infection, along with some pain meds to make your fur baby more comfortable. Be sure your dog can’t/doesn’t chew, lick or bite her incision. As the incision heals, it will start to itch and may be sore. Some dogs may try to relieve the discomfort by licking or chewing the stitches and surrounding area. These actions can also cause other problems with the surgical wound, such as inflammation, seepage (where a stitch has been opened), etc. This is why most dogs are sent home with a collar/cone. If your pup doesn’t have a collar, but begins to bother the incision/stitches, let the vet know and they may prescribe a collar/cone to keep the incision safe.

Your vet may offer some guidance and directions on how and what to feed your girl after she comes home. Her appetite may be off from the anesthesia and the surgery. The vet may suggest a smaller amount of food and water for a day or until, until she’s over the nausea and tummy upset. The vet will also let you know when to bring your precious fur baby back for a post-surgery checkup. Be sure to set the day as close to his recommendations as possible. If your vet used regular stitches, these may need to be removed; however, if he used absorbable stitches, they will not require removal. In addition, the vet will check to see how your pup’s doing overall and make sure she’s healing well and at a good pace. This is a good time to ask questions, bring up concerns, etc.

Be sure to call the vet if your dog shows any signs of inflammation, swelling, she’s seems to be in a lot of pain, has a fever, is oozing fluid from her incision, etc. These may be signs of an infection or other health issues and she needs to see the vet as soon as possible. How long after spaying can my dog play? This is a good question for your vet, as it will depend on your dog’s overall health, age and how she’s doing during the recovery period. Generally speaking, if your dog is doing well in all ways, then she may begin her favorite activities about 14 days after surgery. Be sure to check with your vet before allowing your pup to be active again, even if she seems anxious to get out to run and play.

Complications After Spaying a Dog

While this is a routine surgery, some dogs may experience complications during their post-op recovery period. Here’s a list of some of the most common complications after being spayed:

Hemorrhaging: this can occur for many different reasons, including if your dog is too active after surgery.

Wound rupture: the incision could come apart for many reasons, including chewing/licking, too much activity too early. Another cause can include stitch knots not tied firmly enough. Watch for any bleeding or seeping and report this to your vet ASAP.

Hpoglycemia: can happen when your pup’s glucose levels become too low. This may happen due to the need to fast before surgery or if she’s not eating well after her operation.

Hypothermia: is also possible after surgery, and is more common in smaller dogs, though large dogs may also experience this symptom. You can try using a warm hot water bottle placed next to her, but make sure the hot water bottle is covered with a towel or other protecting layer. Sometimes the outside of the bottle may become too hot and can cause a burn. You can also wrap your pup in blankets, in fact, you could heat a blanket in the dryer and then place this around your fur baby to help her warm up.

Cough/wheezing: your fur baby may develop a cough after surgery—a slight cough is normal for a day or two. However, if she seems to develop a hard cough or wheezing she doesn’t normally have, then be sure to call the vet as soon as possible.

Watch for These Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of surgical complications may include the following:

  • Not eating or drinking
  • Lethargy or discomfort 1-2 days post surgery
  • Excessive diarrhea or vomiting
  • Pale gums
  • Breathing problems (cough/wheezing)
  • Seeping and oozing from the incision
  • Swelling and inflammation at the site of the incision
  • Incision has reopened
  • Has trouble standing or walking

These are all signs and symptoms that indicate it’s time to call the vet as soon as possible. Your fur baby could be suffering complications from t he surgery.

Chances are that your dog will be up and around again after her recovery. We hope this guide provides you with helpful information to keep your fur baby comfortable and healthy during her recovery. We wish her all the best!

(Visited 1,048 times, 1 visits today)
The contents of the OurFitPets.com website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this site (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website!
Tags:
  • dog health
  • dog safety
  • dog surgery
SHARE THIS PAGE

Kim

Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.

Related Posts

  • 50 Genius Inspired Dog Names January 15, 2021
    Is It Worth Allowing Your Lovely Dog to Sleep With You? January 14, 2021
  • 50 Gambling Inspired Dog Names January 14, 2021
    50 Elf & Elvish Inspired Dog Names January 13, 2021
  • My Dog Drank Ginger Ale Will He Get Sick? January 12, 2021
    60 Elements, Science or Chemistry Inspired Dog Names January 12, 2021

4 Comments Hide Comments

Benjamin says:
January 5, 2021 at 3:08 am

I hope this is safe. I mean the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus are going to be removed. She won’t feel incomplete, right? I may need to have a serious talk with my vet about this because I don’t want to try something whose outcome I may not like.

Reply
Dr. Jude says:
January 7, 2021 at 3:14 pm

Lol. Your dog won’t necessarily feel incomplete. The removal is just to keep her from reproducing. She will still enjoy everything else just that she won’t be able to reproduce. Her body won’t produce the hormones associated with reproduction. These hormones can even cause some health issues for her. So it’s even in her best interest as this will help improve her overall health in years to come.

Reply
Elijah says:
January 7, 2021 at 3:07 am

Yes, dogs that are older need a longer time to recover. I spayed my own dog when she was around 8 years. My vet told me all I needed to know and the surgery went well. The recovery period was long but smooth and I was glad it was successful.

Reply
Nancy says:
January 11, 2021 at 12:24 pm

I’m thinking of spaying my dog soon, she’s been pregnant twice now and I think that’s just enough. Thanks for all these helpful tips. I’ll be sure to make use of them.

Reply

Add Your Comment Cancel reply

Something else?

Popular Categories

Bedding

Bedding

Cleaning supplies

Cleaning supplies

Gadgets

Gadgets

Manners

Manners

Nutrition

Nutrition

Training

Training

Travel

Travel

Treats

Treats

Last Comments

  • Yewande on Best Cat Birthday Cake Recipes!
  • Xavier on 12 Signs a Dog is Dying: What to Do When Your Dog’s Health Declines
  • Lady Grasha on DIY Gingerbread Dog House – How To Guide
  • Tucker on DIY Gingerbread Dog House – How To Guide
  • Willow on Could My Dog Be Allergic to His Food?

The contents of the OurFitPets.com website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this site (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website!

Top Topics Today

Which GPS dog collar to invest in – Whistle 3 or Link AKC Smart Collar?

Top 10 Cat Gadgets For 2020

5 of the Best Pet Cameras in 2020

10 of the best kitten toys

OurFitPets.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

  • Ask A Vet Online 24/7
  • Contact Us
  • Pet Guest Post
  • Pet Product Reviewer
  • Categories
  • Do Not Sell my Personal Information
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclaimer & Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright
© OurFitPets.com

Share it on your social network:

Or you can just copy and share this url
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkLearn More