How to Prepare Dogs for Neutering

Unless you plan to breed your male dog, veterinarians recommend neutering your animal prior to six months of age. Neutered males are often better behaved than intact males and tend to roam less. In addition to preventing unwanted litters, neutering your male dog can also prevent testicular cancer if the surgery is performed before the dog fully matures. Neutering is a relatively simple procedure that is performed regularly by most veterinarians. Although a common procedure, neutering does require sedation and should be treated as a surgery. Knowing how to prepare for the surgery can make the overall experience much easier for your dog.

Things You'll Need

  • Surgery collar
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove all access to food 12 hours prior to the surgery. Veterinarians use anesthesia to sedate the dog during neuter surgery. Removing food allows the animal to fully digest any stomach contents prior to the surgery and prevent aspiration due to vomiting during the procedure. Water may be given freely prior to surgery.

    • 2

      Refrain from using over-the-counter flea and tick medications such as dips and powders for two weeks prior to the surgery. Prescription products such as Advantage, Advantix, Frontline and Revolution may be safely applied before and after surgery.

    • 3

      Purchase a surgery collar or contact your vet to make sure that one is included with your surgery. Most dogs will bite at the incision area after surgery and can pull out the sutures, leading to a risk of infection. A surgery collar is cone-shaped and goes around the dog's neck, preventing him from reaching the incision area.

    • 4

      Prepare a comfortable area in your home for your pet to recover after the surgery. Dogs will typically be groggy and sore after surgery. A comfortable area where the dog can rest and recover in peace and quiet is imperative. Occasionally, dogs will be sick after surgery, so the recovery area should be easy to clean and small enough to limit the dog's activity. Do not allow your pet to jump or run after surgery, as this can tear the sutures and cause injury. A dog crate is ideal for recovery or a bathroom/small room with a dog bed can be used as well.

    • 5

      Remove other animals from the house or recovery area in preparation for the dog's return. Even if your dog has a congenial relationship with the other animals in your house, it is a wise idea to keep them separated from the recovering animal. Other animals will typically show interest in the surgery incision and aggravate the recovering dog.

    • 6

      Take the dog outside to urinate often after the surgery, especially during the night. Dogs are given IV fluids during the surgery and this will lead to excessive urination after surgery.