February is the month of love and Spay and Neuter Awareness month! We know love equals a responsibility to our fur babies and as fur parents, we need to protect and nurture our babies. One of the most responsible actions we can take is to spay and neuter, with respect and kindness.
After we choose to let our babies have litters, or maybe just decide it is best for all without the litters, then what? What can you expect after spaying and neutering?
With an over population of cats and excessive homelessness for dogs and cats, it really is up to us to protect their lives and to enrich them. We also spay and neuter to help reduce the chances of cancer in our sweet pets!
Many shelters and foster programs will get these surgeries done prior to adopting them out, but if you get a rescue or adopt a pet that has not been spayed or neutered, decide on a plan.
When your plan is set and you do decide to move forward; days up to weeks after the surgery are important!
Keep a close eye on your pet after they wake up from their surgery. While these surgeries are preformed on a regular basis and by all accounts are very routine, it is very important to adhere to the instructions given by the vet.
Remember:
- Your Pet may exhibit signs that he or she is still under the influence of the anesthesia. This is a normal condition and is affected by the size and age of the animal . This condition will diminish over time.
- Definitely let your pet use the potty when you first get them home. Dogs, outside, but watch them carefully make sure they are not getting into dirt or other elements. Cats probably should not use their standard litter, but rather shredded newspapers or something your vet recommends to not cause infection.
- Keep your pets calm and allow them to rest and not be played with, etc.
- Pets are not able to regulate their own body temperature for up to 24 hours after a surgery, so keep them indoors and regulate their temp.
- Monitor if they want to eat or not, and if so ask the vet how much and how often they can eat.
- As the body begins to absorb the suture material, there may appear to be a firm painless swelling beneath the skin around the incision. This is normal! It will gradually go away in one to two weeks. Check for any redness or swelling around, or discharge from the incision site.
- No bath time for approximately 7-10 days after surgery is what is recommended!
Remember to ALWAYS consult your vet prior to beginning or changing any regimen.
Know that to spay and/or neuter is a viable and positive way to help with animal over-population, illnesses, homeless pets, abuse, neglect, etc. Love all the pets and have a great Valentine’s Day!
PET TREATER is great as a GIFT too!
With many Purrs and Barks,
