How To Take Care of The Dog After Spaying?

The dog spaying is known by several names such as fixing, dog sterlization, ovary and uterine ablation, de-sexing, etc. In this process the ovary and uterus of the dog is surgically removed for the purpose of the canine population check, genetic disease control, medical health benefits and behavioral modification. It is a simple method which is carried all over the world.

Following are the aftercare steps which have to be taken for quick recovery:

•Feeding the dog immediately after the process:
The spaying method doesn’t require dietary modification. Though some owners offer bland food to the dogs after surgery in case their stomach is upset due to anesthesia; but it is not normally needed unless suggested by the vet. Normally dogs refuse to eat anything after surgery, but in case the period increases more than 24 hours, a vet should be consulted.

•Avoid exercising the dog after the process:
It normally takes ten to fourteen days to heal the wound after surgery. During this period the dog should be avoided to indulge in vigorous exercises in the form of running or jumping. It will help in avoiding the chances of postoperative pain and the risk of formation of large seroma.

•Caring of a wound after surgery:
The wound has to be monitored to find out that is appearing clean and healthy. For this purpose the abdominal suture line has to be checked on a daily basis. It should be checked for swelling and redness; which should disappear within three to five days. In case of any abnormal sign such as yellow or green discharge or sign of breaking down; the pet should be taken to the vet for a check up. In case the wound gets dirty with mud or feces, it can be cleaned with salty water or diluted Betadine solution. It should be dried completely to avoid the formation of bacteria which may lead to infection.

•Avoid giving baths to the pet post operation:

In order to allow the healing of sutured skin wounds, the animal should not be given a bath for at least first fourteen days after surgery. Wetting the wound can lead to chances of infection, hence should be avoided.

•Removal of sutures after surgery:
In case the sutures are placed close to its desexing wound, it can be removed when the healing of incision line has taken place. Though it can be removed at home as well, but it is advisable to take the dog to clinic for removal of the suture.

•Relieving the pain after the operation:
Usually the dogs do not experience much pain after the process; many of them start playing and running around the same night. In case the pet is experiencing unbearable pain, it should be given analgesic drops or pills as suggested by the vet. In any case the dog should not be given the painkillers meant for the humans as they can be toxic for them. In order to avoid pain, the dog should be encouraged to take a lot of rest. It should be confined indoors; as running or moving around can cause swelling in the wound which could aggravate the pain.

•Monitoring the dog for normal demeanor after surgery:
Few days after the surgery, the dog should be able to perform the routine activity in normal ways; such as drinking, eating, urinating, defecating and playing as it did before surgery. In case of any observed change such as depression, loss of appetite, not defecating, not urinating, vomiting the vet should be consulted immediately.