3 Tips For Preparing For Your Dog’s Spaying

Getting your young female dog spayed is a responsible choice for many reasons: it prevents unwanted litters of puppies, keeps male dogs from attempting to mate with her, and has many health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain diseases and cancers. Spaying is also a major surgery that is more complicated than having a male dog neutered, so it's a good idea to be prepared ahead of time in order to keep your dog as comfortable and healthy as possible after the operation. Here are three tips for preparing for your dog's spaying surgery:

Plan to Be There for Her

Your dog won't be feeling great after her surgery, and may get physically sick as a result of the anesthesia. In addition, there is a risk that she could injure herself and rip out her stitches, or have other post-surgery complications, so it's very important that someone is home with her and paying close attention to her recovery for a few days afterward. It's a good idea to plan her spaying surgery for a time of year when you can easily take time off of work, or perhaps a long holiday weekend when you would be home anyway. 

Prepare Your Home

Your dog will need a quiet, safe, and comfortable place to recover in the hours and days after her surgery. She will likely be woozy, tired, and disoriented from the anesthesia. Other side effects of anesthesia include vomiting and involuntary urination, so it's important to prepare a place for her to recover in comfort that is also easy to clean. One idea is to cover a comfy dog bed in a plastic trash bag, and then place an easily washed soft towel or blanket on top for easy clean up.

She shouldn't be allowed to jump on or off of furniture while recovering, and will need access to plenty of cold, fresh water.

Protect Her Stitches

Many dogs will try to lick or bite at their stitches after surgery, which can lead to an infection, pain, or the need for new stitches. A simple solution is to buy an e-collar that goes around her head and doesn't allow her to access her abdomen. Instead of the uncomfortable hard plastic kind they may offer at the vet's office, look for a plush one online or at a pet store. These do just as good of a job while being much more comfortable for your dog.

Following these tips and knowing how to prepare ahead of time will ensure your dog's recovery from her spaying surgery goes as smoothly as possible.Contact an animal hospital, like Coastal Carolina Animal Hospital, for more help.


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