Neutering a dog prevents unwanted litters of puppies but also provides health benefits to your dog. Neutering a dog at a young age has been shown to reduce reproductive cancer rates and can improve aggressive or inattentive behavior due to the hormones in your dog's system. Care should be taken after the procedure to ensure no harm is done to your dog's surgical site.
-
Keep the Dog Indoors
-
According to the RASCAL Unit of Dublin, Ohio, keep your dog indoors for a week after surgery. Walk him outside only for a short period of time to use the bathroom, and keep him on a leash. This prevents any unnecessary running or jumping and minimizes the chance of infection from outside germs and bacteria. If your dog is an outdoor-only dog, ensure he is restricted to one area. If you cannot bring him indoors, a small enclosed garage pen is recommended.
Restrict Activity
-
Running, jumping and climbing stairs can rupture a dog's stitches. Do not allow your dog any rough play for 1 week after surgery. Male dogs can remain fertile for 3 to 4 weeks after surgery and should be monitored to ensure they do not impregnate any female dogs during this period.
Keep the Stitches Intact
-
Ensure your dog does not bite or lick his stitches. An Elizabethan collar may be necessary to ensure that he does not do damage to the surgical site. Stitches can easily be pulled out or dissolved by a persistent dog.
Monitor the Site
-
Inspect the surgical site every day during recovery. Some amounts of swelling, redness and discharge are normal, according to the FACE Spay and Neuter Clinic in Indianapolis, Indiana. If there is any abnormal, foul smelling or excessive discharge or gaping of the stitches, contact your veterinarian.
Pain Management
-
Veterinarians and clinics administer pain medication the day of the surgery. Some may include pain medication to give to your dog for a variable number of days after the surgery. Follow the instructions on the bottle for administering pain medication. If your dog seems to be in an extreme amount of pain, consult a veterinarian.
Keep the Dog Dry
-
Some clinics use dissolving stitches. Keep the dog dry for 7 days after surgery. Bathing or applying any kind of solution like hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, soap and water or antibiotic ointment may dissolve the stitches. Even if the stitches are not dissolvable, use of these items can cause postsurgical complications.
When to Call a Vet
-
According to the Kindred Spirits Clinic in Staunton, Virginia, certain signs may be present that are indicative of an emergency. Contact your veterinarian if your dog has a loss of appetite for more than 2 days or refusal to drink water for more than 1 day. Depression or severe weakness are also cause for concern, as is vomiting that occurs more than 24 hours after the surgery. Diarrhea, pulled stitches or possibly infected surgical sites are also causes for concern.
-