While the risk of complications after veterinary reproductive surgery is low, our Los Angeles vets still believe you should understand the signs of infections or other issues after spaying or neutering your dog. We'll explain what to expect in the days after procedure and what to do if you suspect infection.
Spaying & Neutering Procedures
Spaying is a procedure in which a female dog's reproductive organs are removed. This typically includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. This procedure will leave your female dog unable to reproduce. Removing the ovaries eliminates the main source of hormones that drive the female's heat cycle and breeding-related behavior.
During a neutering procedure, a male dog's testicles are removed, making them unable to reproduce. This procedure eliminates the main source of reproductive hormones, and can reduce or eliminate breeding-related behaviors in males.
What to Expect After Your Dog's Spaying or Neutering Procedure
Your dog will be sedated with anesthesia during this veterinary surgery. Immediately after the spaying or neutering procedure, the anesthesia will likely still cause them to feel somewhat tired or queasy. The veterinary surgical staff will have administered pain medications to your dog to help alleviate any pain.
During the first night following your dog's surgery, you'll need to monitor their behavior to watch for signs of excessive pain, and continue to provide them with pain medication as required. You'll also need to watch for signs of complications.
Spayed or neutered dogs will typically have a decreased appetite for the first 24 hours following the procedure. Additionally, your pup will need to wear an Elizabethan cone to prevent them from licking the incision site.
While most dogs will start to feel better within 24-48 hours, full recovery will take between 10 and 14 days. During this period, you'll need to keep your pup calm, limit their activities, and help them rest while they recover to prevent them from inadvertently opening the stitches, which can cause bleeding. Though they may try to run or jump, this does not mean they are healing faster than your vet initially predicted – dogs aren't aware when they need to rest. Keeping them in their crate or confined to a small room, away from any excitement or outside stimulation, will help restrict their movements.
Your vet will recommend against bathing your dog or allowing them to swim for at least 10-14 days, as the incision site must remain dry until it has fully healed.
The spaying procedure for female dogs is more complex than the neutering procedure for male dogs. However, the typical recovery time for both procedures is similar – about 10-14 days. It's imperative to keep a spayed or neutered dog's cone on, the incision site dry, and their activities limited until they fully recover from their operation.
Signs of Infection or Complication After Spaying or Neutering Your Dog
It's very rare for any complications to develop after a female dog has been spayed or a male dog has been neutered. However, there is still an element of risk with every surgical procedure.
This is why it's critical to follow your veterinarian's post-operative care instructions. If they are not followed closely, your beloved pup will be at risk for potential complications or infections, which can lengthen the post-surgical recovery period.
Some potential complications following a spay or neuter procedure include:
- Infection
- Internal bleeding
- Poorly healed surgical site
- Incontinence issues
- Hernias in female dogs
- Ovarian remnants in female dogs
- Scrotal bruising or swelling in males
- Self-inflicted complications
- Complications due to anesthesia
Here are some signs of infection to watch for after spaying or neutering your dog:
- A bad smell coming from the incision site
- Acute redness, swelling, or bruising at the incision site
- Lethargy for more than a couple of days
- Refusal to eat more than a couple of meals
- The incision site reopens
- Signs of pain for longer than a week (such as shaking, hiding or drooling)
- Vomiting or diarrhea longer than 24 hours after the procedure
- Bleeding or pus from the incision site
Your vet will provide you with more information on what you can expect immediately after having your male dog neutered or your female dog spayed. This can include some minor swelling, lethargy, and vomiting.
The incision site should be checked daily for signs of infection and to make sure it is healing as expected. If you notice redness, discharge, swelling, or a foul odor, contact your veterinarian. Additionally, monitor your pet's behavior. If they still seem lethargic or are not eating or drinking after 48 hours, this may be a sign of infection. Follow up with your veterinarian or bring them to your nearest animal hospital for emergency care.
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.
