Instructions
Arrange to bring your Lab home the same day of the surgery so you can keep it in a familiar environment and be able to check on it regularly.
Get a second pair of hands to help you load and unload your Lab's crate in your car after the surgery. If your dog is fully grown, it may be too large for you to carry on your own. Your vet may want it to walk as little as possible, and you should make sure the transition is as smooth as possible to eliminate jostling and pain.
Follow your vet's advice regarding your Lab's weight and dosage when it comes to pain management medication. Encourage your dog to rest.
Keep your Lab as comfortable as you can in the area where it will recuperate. Many dogs find heat soothing, so consider using a warm hot water bottle. Comfort the dog with your presence and a quiet environment if it is averse to being touched.
Check the incision regularly for redness or any sign of infection. Carefully apply any ointments your vet recommends, and feed the dog soft foods that will be easy to digest for a few days. Do not allow the dog to lick or bite the stitches or incision area.
Take it easy for at least 10 days. Your Lab may be feeling better and may want to play or run, but you should keep the activity level to a minimum during the recovery time specified by your vet. Healing well is your dog's best bet for overall health.
How to Care for a Spayed Female Lab
Spaying, or sterilizing, your female Labrador retriever is the action of a responsible pet owner unless you plan to breed puppies. In addition to suppressing reproduction, spaying your dog can help reduce the likelihood of female cancers as the dog ages. Although spaying has become a routine surgery, your Lab will probably feel under the weather for a few days as it recovers. Follow a few guidelines as well as special instructions from your vet to keep the dog more comfortable and back to its old self much sooner.