What to Expect after Getting Your Dog Spayed
Posted on: 14 May 2015
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If you are considering getting a female puppy, it is highly recommended that you have her spayed. Spaying is a surgical process of removing a dog's uterus and ovaries. There are a number of benefits associated with spaying a dog, including eliminating the chance of unplanned pregnancies and messy heat cycles, while also reducing the risk of canine diseases of the reproductive organs. After you get your dog spayed, you can expect the following:
Your Pet May Be Groggy and Disoriented
When a dog is spayed she is put under general anesthesia for the duration of the surgery. Just like with humans, general anesthesia can produce side effects even after your dog regains consciousness. Do not be alarmed if your dog seems very tired, groggy, and lethargic. All of this should pass as the full effects of the anesthesia wear off. It is a good idea to keep your dog in a comfortable crate/kennel, or separated from children and other pets immediately following surgery.
Lack of Appetite
In addition to grogginess, anesthesia often causes nausea in dogs, so your pet may not be interested in eating her normal food. If she does decide to eat, there is a chance that she may vomit afterwards. If vomiting occurs, offer food and water the following day when all of the anesthesia has worn off.
Poor Balance
Many dogs display poor balance immediately after being spayed due to the anesthesia used during surgery. Keep this in mind, and be prepared to help your dog into your vehicle when leaving the animal hospital. If you live in a house with stairs, it is a good idea lo limit your dog's access to them to prevent any injuries while her balance is off.
Incision Site
As your dog recovers from being spayed, check her incision site regularly to ensure that there are no signs of infection. The incision site will heal on its own, so you should not apply any types of creams or ointments to the area. Most vets use surgical glue and sutures that are absorbed by your bog's body, so unless noted you will not have to return to the vet to have stitches removed. Watch your dog carefully in the days after her surgery, and make sure that she does not lick, bite, or chew at the incision area.
Exercise and Activity
In the days following a spaying, it is a good idea to limit strenuous activity so you dog can heal properly. Short outdoor walks are typically considered okay, but avoid letting your dog run, jump, swim, or partake in strenuous exercise. Dogs are typically spayed at a young age when they are very healthy, so the recovery period is usually short. Your veterinarian will tell you how long your dog should take it easy after surgery. For more information, talk to a professional like Gettysburg Road Animal Hospital.