Spaying is a procedure that removes a dogs ovaries and uterus through a small incision in the dog's abdomen. This is a routine surgery, but a major one, and requires the use of general anesthesia. After your veterinarian has spayed your dog and she is safely back in your care, she will need close monitoring for the next few days. There are some simple steps you can take to ensure your pet's recovery is as comfortable and problem free as possible.
Instructions
Check the incision site two times a day. The incision site is located in the center of the dog's stomach, between her hind legs. The incision site will be red and slightly swollen, but there should be no pus, foul odor, drainage or bleeding. Redness and swelling should subside with each day, virtually disappearing by the seventh day.
Deter your dog from licking or biting her stitches. An Elizabethan collar physically prevents the dog's head from reaching her incision, while bitter apple spray makes the area unappealing to the taste buds.
Administer any medications given by your veterinarian, per instruction. Most dogs will be given a course of pain relief medication for a period of one to two days after surgery.
Avoid cleaning or applying antibiotic ointment to the stitches. Most spay surgeries are performed with internal sutures that will be broken down and absorbed by the body over a period of two weeks. Cleaning the surgical site interferes with this process.
Limit your pet's activity for the next week to 10 days. Running, rough play, jumping and swimming interfere with the healing of the surgical wound and may expose your dog to bacteria that can cause infections.
Restrict contact between your dog and un-neutered males for at least two weeks. While your dog is incapable of becoming pregnant, the hormones that attract male dogs and suggest they copulate are still present.
Speak to your veterinarian about any follow up visits that may be needed. In the rare case that your dog has non-absorbable sutures, they will need to be removed approximately two weeks after surgery.