Deciding to spay or neuter your dog is a significant decision, and it's natural to be concerned about any potential complications that may arise from it. However, the chances of any complications are minimal. Our vets in Jackson can help you recognize the signs of an infection or complication that may occur after your dog has been spayed or neutered.
What to Expect After Your Dog's Procedure
After being spayed or neutered, it's normal for your dog to feel a bit tired or queasy due to the anesthesia. To help alleviate any pain, your pup will also be provided with pain medications. They will have a reduced appetite for the first 24 hours after the procedure. Additionally, your dog will need to wear a cone to prevent them from licking at the incision site, and you shouldn't bathe them or allow them to swim for at least 10-14 days. It's crucial to keep the incision site dry until it heals.
To aid in your dog's recovery, you should limit their activities and make sure they rest until they have fully recovered. Even if they try to run or jump, it doesn't mean they heal quicker, as dogs don't understand that they need to rest. You can restrict their movements by 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, which is approximately 10-14 days. To ensure their full recovery, keeping their cone on, the incision site dry, and their activities limited is essential.
Signs of an Infection or Complication
Keep in mind that it's very rare for dogs to develop any complications after being spayed or neutered, but with every surgical procedure, there is an element of risk involved. This is why it's essential to follow your veterinarian's instructions for post-operative care carefully. Not following them puts your beloved pooch at risk for a longer recovery period and potentially other complications and infections.
Some of the possible complications following a spay and neuter procedure include:
- Infection
- Poorly healed wound
- Self-inflicted complications
- Anestetic complications
- Incontinence problems
- Hernias in females
- Scrotal bruising/swelling in males
- Ovarian remnants in females
- Internal bleeding
These are some signs that your dog may have an infection or complication after their procedure:
- A bad smell coming from the incision site
- Acute redness, swelling, or bruising at the incision site
- Lethargy for more than a couple of days
- Refusal to eat more than a couple of meals
- The incision site reopens
- Signs of pain for longer than a week (shaking, hiding, drooling)
- Vomiting or diarrhea longer than 24 hours after the procedure (some immediately after can be normal as a result of anesthesia)
- Bleeding or pus from the incision site
Your vet will provide you with more information on what you can expect immediately after the procedure, including some minor swelling, lethargy, and vomiting. However, If you see any of the above signs of a complication in your dog, it's important to call your veterinarian as soon as possible.