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Dog care after neutering

Post Neutering Dog Care

Getting your dog neutered (or spayed in case of a female dog), is one way to prevent him from reproducing.



The procedure followed to sterilize dogs is called neutering, and it includes a surgery. This is also an important aspect of dog health care, as it not only helps prevent an unwanted litter, but also helps avert various serious health conditions.

The owner of a dog will have to take special care of him after the surgery is performed. It takes a dog about ten to fifteen days to recover from the neutering procedure. Dog care after neutering is a big concern and your dog will need special attention during this time, which will ensure that no complications or infections occur after the surgery.




How to care for dog after neutering


  • After a surgery, most dogs are sent home with an Elizabethan Collar, also called a cone or more commonly, an e-collar. One of the most important things is to ensure that the dog’s e-collar is not removed, while he is healing. This collar will keep the dog from removing his stitches prematurely and licking the incision.
  • Your pet will probably face difficulty in getting into or out of your car and you may need to help him.



    Allowing the dog to jump may damage his stitches, as the incision is still fresh. You could try using a ramp, to help him get into or out of the car. If you pick  him up to help him, try to wrap your arms around your pet’s rear legs and chest.
  • Do not give your pet aspirin after the surgery, to relive his pain. Aspirin will thin his blood, which will not allow it to clot properly. As a result, your dog may start bleeding uncontrollably. Therefore you should not give your dog any drugs, unless you have been instructed by a vet to do so.
  • Your dog may be slightly off-balance or groggy immediately after the surgery. It may be difficult for your dog to climb stairs. You may need to help him to do so and even be prepared to catch him in case he falls. At this time, your dog’s energy will probably be very low, so try to put him to bed as soon as you arrive home.
  • Keep your pet’s physical activity limited, to keep the stitches from opening. Therefore, isolating your dog from other pets or children may be required for a while.
  • As your dog will have probably received a lot of fluids before and during the surgery, he will be well hydrated and may not want to drink anything till the next morning. In fact, in order to get rid of the liquid, he will need to urinate quite frequently. Therefore it is important to take him outside, for a “bathroom break” once every two to three hours.
  • Give him bland food to eat, which will tempt your pet to eat, but will not upset his stomach. 
  • Make sure you are aware of the location of the nearest 24 hour vet-clinic, in case of any emergencies.
 
  Submitted on May 7, 2010