Tips for caring for your furry family member after a Spay/Neuter procedure
For many of us, the thought of having your dog “fixed” can be a scary thought. However, unless you plan on breeding your dog, it’s extremely important to spay/neuter your pet.
Why?
Well the first and most obvious reason is not adding to the overpopulation.
In spaying/neutering your pet, you are decreasing his/her chances of diseases and cancers. Other benefits include behavioral improvement, better sanitation, and elimination of unpleasant odors.
When the time is right (typically after 8 weeks of age) and you decide to go forward with the procedure, your most important job will be post-operative care.
Here a few things you can expect and some pointers to ease your worries.
- Keep him/her in a small or confined area (i.e. crate or laundry room) and keep other pets and children away.
- They will most definitely be groggy and sleep longer than usual.
- A small amount of bruising, swelling, redness, and even discharge is common for the first few days.
- Loss of appetite.
- Make sure your dog isn’t licking or irritating their incision and if they are, make sure to notify your vet and they will more than likely provide an Elizabethan collar.
- Typically, it takes up to 10 days for your pup to completely heal.
- Do not bathe them.
- Above all, follow your vet’s instructions.
- Most importantly, show your best friend extra love and attention.
