Instructions
Monitor you pet's behavior following the surgery. While neutering is not considered major surgery a general anesthetic is used during the process. As with any surgery, the use of anesthesia can present some risks to your pet. At home watch for signs that your animal is not recovering normally from the anesthesia. These signs include vomiting, difficulty walking or poor appetite. Any other abnormal behaviors that you might notice should also be reported to your vet immediately.
Keep the animal as quiet as possible. With some very active dogs it is important to try your best to keep the dog still and quiet. Veterinarians generally recommend limited activity for up to five days. Your pet may be acting fully recovered the day after the surgery. Internally however, healing is still taking place. In order to speed the healing process encourage your pet to rest as much as possible.
Help prevent infection by not allowing your pet to lick or bite at the wound site. Also, keep your animal indoors for a few days. Dogs love to roll in bacteria covered substances. Leaving the dog unattended out of doors could result in contamination of the wound site. Even though there is generally a very small incision site, the animal's body is more susceptible to infection following surgery.
Prevent tearing of the incision. The best way to do this is to encourage limited activities. Wait a few days before playing Frisbee in the park or taking your dog for a run. The less active your dog is during the initial recovery phase the less the chance of reopening the incision wound.
Follow your vet's recommendations for after care. Depending on the breed, age and overall health of your dog, your vet might make special recommendations for your pet. Since no one understands your dog's specific health considerations like your veterinarian, it is important that you follow after care instructions. Keep all follow up appointments as well, to ensure your pet's healthy recovery.
Taking Care of a Dog After Neutering
Neutering involves removing the testicles of a male dog. It is most often done in order to prevent breeding. Neutering is also known to help with hormonal behavioral issues, such as fighting, running and marking of indoor areas. While neutering is a relatively safe and routine procedure in some cases, if the animal is not properly cared for, complications can arise. Common complications are infection and tearing of the incision.