How Do I Take Care Of My Dog After They’ve Been Neutered?

It’s one thing to know to have your dog neutered/spayed and another thing to know how to take care of them after the procedure.

It’s an important decision to spay or neuter your dog because it’s the only 100% effective form of birth control for cats and dogs.

Spaying and neutering also help to reduce the risk of reproductive cancers, reduce behavioral issues, and even reduce the risk of your dog running off their leash to find a mate.

But it’s one thing to know to have your dog neutered/spayed and another thing to know how to take care of them after the procedure.

How do I take care of my pet after their surgery?
By understanding what to expect before, during, and after your dog’s neutering/spaying surgery, you can feel prepared knowing that you know what’s going to happen.

Before the surgery, you’ll be dropping your dog off at the clinic for their procedure in the morning and picking them up later that afternoon or evening. Anesthesia that lasts between 15 to 20 minutes can take up to six to seven hours to wear off and your dog may seem groggy, subdued, or uncomfortable.

After the surgery, your pet is placed in a warm, dry place to relax while the anesthesia wears off. They’ll also have someone monitoring them to ensure there are no complications related to the anesthesia.

When you pick up your dog, they may behave differently which is normal as they’re still affected by the anesthesia. When your dog has returned home, feed them a meal that’s moderately sized and reduce any activity that could disturb your dog’s incision site.

The day after the procedure, your pet will be back to their old self. They can go back to their usual routine with the exception of exercise, rough play, and going up and down the stairs.

Be sure to routinely check the incision site for discharge, redness, or an opening of the sutures. If you notice any of these things, you’ll need to bring your dog back to the clinic for a checkup. It may be in your dog’s best interest to wear a cone if they’re unable to stop licking or chewing at the incision site.

Where can I find dog clinics near me?
A fertile dog can have as many as two litters of puppies a year, which is why it’s so important to have your dog spayed or neutered. If you’re looking for Arizona dog clinics near you to have your dog spayed or neutered, AZPaws is the place to go.

Whether you need help understanding pet safety, dog dental care, or you need to schedule a neutering appointment, AZPaws has the expertise you need. For more information about our spay and neuter clinic, contact AZPaws today.