How to Care for Your Pet After a Spay & Neuter Procedure
Spay and neuter surgeries offer more benefits than just preventing unwanted pregnancies. These procedures can prevent health issues like infections or tumors of reproductive organs, decrease behavioral issues associated with mating or going into heat, and lower the risk of your pet escaping your house in search of a partner. While beneficial to your pet’s overall health, spay and neuter procedures are both surgeries that require specific care to ensure proper healing. The team at Advantage Veterinary Center wants to help you properly care for your pet post-procedure so they can return to their regular selves in no time:
Minimize their Movement
One of the most important elements of proper healing is to stay as still as possible. Since your pet will not understand if you verbally tell them this, you should take some steps to limit their ability to move until they are fully healed, which usually takes about seven-ten days. In order to achieve this, you can:
- Place them in a crate, kennel, or a small room with a door you can close
- Use a short leash to take your dog outside, even if it is in your backyard
- If necessary, carry smaller pets up the stairs
- Keep the recovering pet away from other animals that might try to play
- Use an e-collar or a cone to prevent the animal from licking the affected area
Monitor the Inciscion
The incision must stay dry and clean in order to properly heal, so it is important to regularly monitor it to make sure it looks good. Your veterinarian should give you some care instructions about how to maintain this area. Be sure to look at the incision at least twice a day. If you notice any fluid draining, any swelling, or notice an odor, it is important to bring your pet back in so we can examine the area and make sure it is not infected.
Watch Out for Changes in Behavior
One of the best ways to tell if your pet is not feeling well post-surgery is to pay attention to their behavior. If you notice any of the following, call us right away to get him or her checked out for any potential complications:
- Changes to gum color
- Depression
- Difficulty standing
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty urinating or defecating
- Labored breathing
At Advantage Veterinary Center, the health of your pet is our top priority. Whether you want to spay or neuter your pet or it’s time for an annual wellness exam, we are here to help. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call (636) 677-9790.