What to Expect After Your Pet Is Spayed or Neutered

When you decide to spay or neuter your pet, it is essential to know what to do after the procedure. Your pet will likely be less responsive and slightly groggy after the surgery. You will receive aftercare instructions, and you need to follow them carefully. Keeping your pet safe and monitoring the incision will aid in recovery. Fortunately, recovery is usually fast and straightforward.

Using Prescribed Medications 

Spaying and neutering are routine procedures, but they are considered significant surgery. Your pet will receive medication to encourage quick healing and recovery. The vet may prescribe pain medication to help reduce discomfort.

Make sure you administer it exactly as instructed. You should never use human medications on your pet, as they can cause severe issues. Talk to your vet at Spencer Springs Animal Hospital about the most effective medicine for your pet. 

Monitoring Eating and Drinking

The surgery is performed under anesthesia, which means the pet’s food and drink should be limited after the procedure. Wait several hours and then offer a little water as instructed. You can then provide a little food after about one hour.

Limiting eating and drinking will help ensure that the pet feeds without vomiting or developing aspiration pneumonia. If the pet keeps a little water and a small meal down, you can increase the amount the following morning. 

Restricting Physical Activity

It is essential to restrict your pet’s activity after surgery. Jumping, running, and playing can cause the stitches to fail. It can also cause pain, bleeding, and other post-surgery issues.

Restrict your pet’s exercise or activities for 10 to 14 days after the surgery or according to the vet’s instructions. Inspect the incision site and look out for bleeding or fluid discharge. If you notice excessive discharge, contact the vet immediately. 

Prevent Chewing and Licking 

Your pet will have the urge to scratch, lick, or chew the surgical area. To prevent this:

 

• Ensure that your pet wears a cone or e-collar
   

• Use the cone as instructed to avoid potential problems
   

• Follow instructions for caring for the surgical site
   

• Inspect the site and check for swelling, bleeding, or other issues

Incisions from spaying or neutering usually heal within 10 to 14 days. It is when any staples or stitches need to be removed. 

Avoid Bathing or Swimming

It is vital to keep your pet from water until the stitches are removed or until the site heals. The veterinarian will inform you when you can bathe your pet. If the procedure did not include visible sutures or staples, wait for 10 to 14 days before swimming or bathing. If you have doubts, do not hesitate to call the vet for further instructions. 

Your vet will give you instructions and recommendations when you pick your pet up after surgery. It may be helpful to write them down so that nothing is missed. Remember, it can be difficult to assess your pet’s pain. If you notice excessive drooling or shaking, contact your vet. If you notice redness, a foul smell, or a thick discharge from the incision site, it may be a cause for concern. Contact the vet if the incision opens. 

For more on what to expect after your pet is spayed or neutered, visit Spencer Springs Animal Hospital at our Las Vegas, Nevada office. Call (702) 896-9999 to schedule an appointment today.