Are you deciding whether or not to spay or neuter your dog? If so, you might be concerned about the potential complications that the procedure could cause. Luckily, the risk of any complications arising from this procedure is low. Today, our Mankato vets explain what you can expect from your dog's spay/neuter procedure and how you can recognize the signs of any potential complications or infection.
What You Can Expect After Spaying/ Neutering Your Dog
Your pup will most likely feel a little queasy or tired immediately after their spay or neuter procedure, which is a normal effect of the anesthesia. Your pup will also be given pain medications that will help alleviate any pain. Their appetite will also be reduced during the first 24 hours. Your dog will also need to wear a cone to prevent them from licking at the incision site.
In addition to this, you shouldn't bathe your dog or let them swim for at least 10-14 days. It's critical to keep the incision site dry until it heals.
It's also essential to limit your dog's activities and make sure they rest until they are recovered. Even if they try to run or jump, it doesn't mean they are healing quicker, dogs don't know that they need to rest, so you will have to restrict their movements. Limiting your pup's movements (no running or jumping) could include keeping them in their crate or a small room away from any excitement.
The procedure for spaying female dogs is also more complex than neutering male dogs, but their recovery time should be about the same, which is approximately 10 - 14 days. It's essential to keep your dog's cone on, the incision site dry, and to limit your pup's activities until they make a full recovery.
Signs of Complications & Infections in Dogs After a Spay or Neuter Procedure
It's very rare for there to be any complications after a spay/neuter procedure, however, with every surgical procedure, there is a level of risk involved. This makes it very important to follow your veterinarian's instructions for post-operative care. If you do not follow them, you are putting your dog at risk for a longer recovery period and possibly other complications and infections. Some of the possible complications following a spay and neuter procedure include:
- Infection
- Poorly healed wound
- Incontinence problems
- Self-inflicted complications
- Anestetic complications
- Hernias in females
- Ovarian remnants in females
- Scrotal bruising/swelling in males
- Internal bleeding
Here we have listed the signs of infection and complications you need to keep your eye out for:
- A bad smell coming from the incision site
- Acute redness, swelling, or bruising at the incision site
- Refusal to eat for more than a couple of meals
- Their lethargy lasts more than a couple of days
- The incision site reopens
- Bleeding or pus coming from the incision site
- Signs of pain for longer than a week (shaking, hiding, drooling)
- Vomiting or diarrhea longer than 24 hours after the procedure (some immediately after can be normal as a result of anesthesia)
Your vet will provide you with more information on what you can expect after the procedure, including some minor swelling, lethargy, and vomiting immediately afterward. However, If you see your dog exhibiting any of the above signs of a complication, it's important to call your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.