If it's time for your dog to be spayed, it's also time to prepare for the recovery. Spaying may seem like a minor procedure. But, for your dog, it's major surgery. Because of that, your dog will need time to recover. Here are four things you can do to help your dog have a problem-free recovery.
Keep Your Dog Calm
When your dog comes home from the vet, you'll need to provide a quiet place for recovery. Your dog needs to stay as calm as possible. It's especially important that your dog remain still until the sutures heal. Too much movement can cause the sutures to break open. If that happens, your dog's intestines may come out. That's because the sutures hold everything in place until the abdomen seals shut. If possible, give your dog a private area of the house to recover.
Wait for the Baths
If your dog gets dirty during the recovery period, you may want to give them a bath. But, you need to wait until they've recovered to give them Their first bath. This is especially true for the sutures. Until the veterinarian removes the sutures, they're still protecting an open wound. If you put your dog in bath water, the bacteria can infect the wound. Reduce the risk of infection. Don't give your dog a bath until the sutures get removed.
Stick to the Cone Routine
When your dog gets released from the vet's office, you'll notice the cone. Your dog might not like having the cone around it's neck. But, the accessory is an important part of your dog's recovery. The cone protects the wound from harm. Without the cone, your dog will lick and scratch at the wound. Unfortunately, both those activities increase the risk for infection. Not only that, scratching can break the wound open. Protect your dog and the wound. Keep the cone in place until the vet says you can remove it.
Watch for Signs of Infection
After surgery, you'll need to watch for signs of infection. Post-operative infections can be quite serious for your dog. Unfortunately, your dog can't tell you when they're experiencing complications. While your dog is recovering, keep the wound clean. Each time you clean the area, check for infection. If you notice increased redness or a foul-smelling discharge, contact the veterinarian immediately.
Now that it's time to have your dog spayed, be ready to care for their post-operative needs. The information provided here will help you plan for their recovery period. For questions and concerns about pet spaying, talk to your veterinarian.
Share24 June 2020
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