Complications After Neutering

Neutering is the act of castrating a dog, and making it so that he can no longer impregnate a female dog. Many organizations recommend that pet owners neuter their animals, but it is not without its complications. There are several complications that can occur after neutering your dog.

  1. Bleeding

    • One of the more serious complications of a neutering procedure is internal bleeding in the animal. While this does not happen often, it can happen in some dogs. Sometimes there is bleeding around the wound area, and there can be internal bleeding around the scrotal area as well. If a pet owner notices signs of blood loss --- such as fatigue or rapid heart rate --- as well as swelling near the affected area, a veterinarian should be contacted.

    Infection

    • Another complication that can occur from spaying a dog is infection. Typically an infection occurs only at the incision site, and is most often caused because a dog is licking the wound. In order to prevent infection, try to keep your dog distracted and do not allow the dog to lick or bite the wound. If signs of an infection occur, a pet owner should contact his veterinarian immediately.

    Licking and Chewing

    • Another side effect of a neuter surgery is a dog is tempted to lick or chew the wounded area. There are many ways to prevent a dog from doing this, such as placing a surgical cone around the dog's head or applying a distasteful substance around the area of the incision. Be sure not to apply the substance to the wound itself, as this could cause more complications.

    Swelling

    • Another minor complication of the surgery is that your dog might experience swelling and bruising around the incision area. This is a common and normal side effect, and symptoms should disappear within a few days. It may help to soak a washcloth in warm water, and place it on the incision for about 10 minutes a day. This will help the swelling go down, and will make your dog more comfortable as well.