recommendations after spaying?

Shifra

My 9 month old puppy is being spayed on Thursday. What should I expect from her after the procedure?. Any side effects I should worry about. How long until she can run around. etc.

crazydays

Hi Shifra

My pup was spayed at 5 months. She had her surgery and came home. She was closed with staples and never bothered them. Make sure you are given something for pain. Within a half hour at home, she cried and yelped-broke my heart. If if she is at the vets and they say she hasn't cried or shown pain-get something to take with you in case. They naturally get more active when home. No stairs, No jumping up. Take the pup outside on leash to go washroom. My pup had no problems eating or going to the bathroom. She showed no pain after the first day. Some people crate the dog for the first day. I was home with her so I could monitor her activity.
Good luck-

lovemygreys

I'd make sure I came home with something for pain for the first few days (some vets don't dispense pain meds). Otherwise, listen to your vet's instructions. Usually involves limited activity for several days and observation to make sure the dog doesn't bother the incision and that incision site stays nice and clean.

RonE

Keep an eye out for redness or inflamation around the incision. No bathing or swimming for at least a week.

Both my dogs seemed oblivious to the spaying and did very well. Some dogs - maybe smaller ones in particular - may show more obvious signs of discomfort. My vet told me that maybe 1-in-10 need the e-collar to keep them from going after the stitches. Neither of mine did.

If you have questions or concerns after the spaying, do not hesitate calling your vet.

Know that you're doing the right thing for your dog.

Lorina

Males are much more likely to need The Cone of Shame than females. Boys will be boys, after all.

Not all dogs need pain meds, but if it were me, I'd ask for a few to have on hand just in case. Most people drop off their dog in the morning and pick them up in the evening. If the dog is uncomfortable once you get home, it's likely the vet will be closed until the next day.

Keep her quiet as best you can until the sutures are out. Exercise on a leash - no running around. Being too active can cause fluid to build up around the incision area. This is called a seroma. It's not harmful, and the swelling will go down over the next few weeks, but it's scary to a lot of owners who see a goose-egg sized lump on their dog after surgery.

No bathing or swimming until the sutures are out. They must be kept dry. If you have a very short dog, that will also rule out walking in snow or wet grass.

Puppy & Dog Forums

 

Alpha

I had originally thought that Roxy hadn't gotten any pain meds, but after speaking with my vet, she did, at the vet's office, long lasting something or other. So it's nice to just ask.

I had never thought about pain meds when she was spayed, and then it was brought about here, that most people got pain meds. I was obviously miffed that I wasn't offered them, but turns out she did get them.

Either way, Roxy didn't appear to be too uncomfortable, that is after she ripped her own stitches out. I believe on the third day.

I think the most important thing is just keeping an eye on it like Ron said, looking for redness or inflammation.

I had no idea that Roxy was bothered by the incision, she ripped the stitches out quite sneakily, making sure to never lick the wound in my presence. But it healed well nicely despite that fact.

I would keep her quiet for at least a week. By the fourth day, maybe on leash walks, not too long or strenuous. I'd stay away from stairs or any type of incline like jumping on the furniture for around a week as well.

Good luck! And kudos to you for spaying your pet.

Puppy & Dog Forums