While the decision to have your canine companion neutered is yours, there are a number of reasons why this is a good idea. Here, our Kingman vets share some information about spay and neuter surgery for dogs, how long your dog will be in pain after neutering, and how to comfort a dog that is in pain after surgery.
The Importance of Reproductive Surgery
When you need to decide on having your dog neutered it can give you a lot to think about. Such as whether the risk of surgery is worth the potential outcome. Surgery of any type is a big deal and you're likely thinking considering any pain that your dog may feel. However, this preventive measure is needed for a number of reasons.
Having your dog neutered may help to curb behaviors that are problematic or undesirable like roaming mounting and aggression. It may also offer a number of preventive health benefits such as preventing behaviors that are undesirable and preventing the chance of puppies.
Approximately 3.3 million dogs enter US shelters every year! Having your dog neutered is the best way for you to help reduce the overall number of unwanted pets in your neighborhood.
Is neutering surgery safe for dogs?
Neuter surgeries are one of the most commonly performed veterinary surgeries. Our vets have performed a great number of these surgical procedures successfully.
This means that your dog will be in good hands during the procedure. With that being said, whenever an animal is placed under anesthesia for a procedure, there is some risk involved. Throughout your pet's procedure, your veterinarian and surgical team will closely monitor your dog and be on the lookout for signs of illness or possible complications as they arise.
What is the difference between having a dog spayed or neutered?
The outcome of both spay and neuter surgery will be to no longer be able to produce puppies. This means that female dogs will be unable to become pregnant and birth puppies and male dogs will be unable to father puppies. Here is some information on each of these procedures:
Neuter: The neutering or castration of male dogs involves the surgical removal of the testicles while the dog is under general anesthesia.
Spay: Spaying is the surgical sterilization of a female animal through the removal of both ovaries and the uterus, while under general anesthesia.
Ways to Comfort Your Dog After Surgery
Your pet's comfort is of the utmost importance. Because of this, we plan on keeping them comfortable throughout their surgery and in the time afterward. Here are a few of the things you can do to help comfort your dog after they have been neutered.
- Provide your pup with a safe, calm, and quiet spot to rest and recover after surgery.
- Try and prevent your dog from jumping, running, or climbing stairs for two weeks after their neuter. Follow your vet's instructions closely regarding activity after these procedures, since your pup may require further restrictions.
- Even if you feel like your dog is looking sad, it's important to have them wear a post-operative jumpsuit (if your vet prescribed it) or cone to prevent them from licking their incision site. Licking their surgical incision may lead to infection.
- In order for your dog's incision to heal as quickly as possible, do not bathe your dog (or allow your dog to swim) for at least ten days after spaying or neutering.
- Check your dog's incision site every day for possible signs of infection to ensure that their incision is healing well.
If you notice any redness, swelling, or fluid accumulation at the incision site, you should contact your vet right away. Symptoms such as lack of energy, reluctance to eat, vomiting, or diarrhea also signal the need to call your vet.
How Long Your Dog Will Be In Pain After Neutering
Your pup may feel unwell and be a little disoriented after you pick them up from their surgery. These are pretty typical side effects of general anesthesia. The next day, your pet should start behaving more like themselves and show only very minor signs of pain.
If your dog has any pain it should be mild and you can usually expect them to return to normal within about a week. If your pet is experiencing pain or discomfort for more than a couple of days it's a good idea to contact your vet for further advice.
What can you do to help your dog's pain after surgery?
During your dog's surgery, they will be placed under anesthesia and won't feel any pain. Once they wake up, our vets will provide them with further medication as required. Veterinarians administer pain medications to your dog by injection. This long-lasting pain medication should last anywhere from 12 to 24 hours after surgery is complete.
If you are wondering 'What can I give my dog for pain after surgery?' Luckily, your vet will be a valuable resource when it comes to giving your dog pain meds after surgery.
Your vet will also prescribe your dog pain medication to manage pain after their neutering surgery. Some of the most common dog pain meds prescribed after surgery include Torbugesic or Rimadyl.
Follow your vet's aftercare instructions very closely. Make sure you never give your pup any human pain medications, either. Pain meds that are made for humans can be very toxic to dogs.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.