Recovery Process After Neutering

Many pet owners struggle with the decision of whether to have their pet neutered. Although neutering offers many behavioral and health benefits, the recovery process can be difficult for both pet and pet owner. However, knowing what to expect during your pet's recovery period will help you provide the most loving and adequate after-care possible.

  1. The Procedure

    • According to the humane organization ASPCA, neutering is a surgical procedure that results in the castration of male animals and the removal of their testicles. This procedure makes the animal incapable of breeding. The procedure is performed by a veterinary surgeon and requires great skill and attention.

    Wound Care

    • Generally, stitches are used to close the incision site after neutering. Pet owners should be careful to keep the wound clean and dry. Animals that have undergone a neutering procedure should not be bathed for about 10 days following the procedure. In addition, pet owners should limit the animal's physical activity during the recovery process, to prevent the incision from tearing or reopening.

    Pain

    • Although neutering can cause some discomfort, your animal should not experience any pain following the procedure, according to ASPCA. Animals handle the discomfort of neutering in various ways, from biting at the incision to pacing back and forth for days. If you suspect that your animal is experiencing pain, please contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.

    Behavior

    • Some animals may experience a temporary mildly depressed mood after neutering. You may find that your animal is less playful or eats less than usual. You can make your animal more comfortable by providing a quiet, low-lit area for him to retreat, along with a soft place to lie down.

    Considerations

    • Although uncommon, serious complications can follow a neutering procedure. Complications include uncontrollable bleeding, swelling of the scrotum, incision infection, extreme weakness or death. To reduce the risk of complications, pet owners must follow the after-care instructions and recommendations of their pet's veterinarian.