Post Spay Dog Care

Spaying, or neutering, a female dog is a common surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the abdomen and specific areas where the ovaries and uterus meet are tied off and cut. This procedure prevents female dogs from experiencing both the heat cycle and pregnancy. Special post-operative care is required for dogs that have undergone the process of spaying.

  1. Comfort

    • It is important to prepare a comfortable area for your dog before bringing her home following the spay surgery. Create a soft and secure area that is familiar and easily accessible for your dog, containing items such as a dog bed or favorite blanket. Hot water bottles can be tucked under blankets to ensure warmth. If pain medications and/or antibiotics have been prescribed, follow dosage instructions carefully and avoid missing a dose.

    Keeping Dry

    • Whether dissolvable sutures or traditional stitches were used on the surgical site, it is absolutely necessary to keep your dog dry at all times for at least two weeks following the spay procedure. This includes avoiding baths, swimming and any activities that the dog may encounter wet grass or areas of stagnant water such as mud puddles.

    Surgical Site

    • Dogs should not be allowed to lick, bite or scratch the surgical site following a spay procedure. Allowing these actions can result in serious complications such as infection, bleeding and accidental removal of stitches or sutures. If necessary, specially designed collars, or cones, can be used for 10 to 14 days after the surgery. You should pay close attention to any changes in the appearance of the surgical site.

    Activity

    • It is not unusual for dogs to be slow-moving and sluggish shortly after spaying. This lack of energy typically wears off in 24 to 48 hours. Physical activity such as running, jumping and play should be discouraged for 10 to 14 days after the procedure, as risks of injury to the surgical site and complications exist prior to proper healing.

    Diet

    • A small amount of food and water may have been supplied to your dog following the spay. Ask your veterinarian whether your dog was fed during its stay. Discourage overeating and introduce small amounts of food slowly directly after the surgery. Your veterinarian may give you specific instructions for food and water during the recovery period.

    Complications

    • Complications may develop after spaying. Dogs that are overactive during the recovery period may injure the surgical site or experience problems such as swelling and fluid accumulation. Symptoms of complications include loss of appetite, constipation, decrease in mobility and excess fluid drainage from the surgical site. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog suffers any of these symptoms.