Our veterinary team knows that, for many pet parents, the decision to have your dog neutered may be an emotional one. If you aren't sure about whether or not you should get your dog fixed, our Johns Creek vets are here to provide some information that may help to put your mind at ease.
Why Neutering Your Dog is Important
While it may not feel pressing at the moment, going through the process of having your dog neutered is worth it for you as a loving dog parent and for your beloved canine companion.
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 for your dog and putting a stop the chances of unwanted litters.
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.
Reproductive Surgeries Are Common & Considered Safe for Dogs
Neuter surgeries are common veterinary medical procedures that most vets get lots of experience performing.
These surgeries are generally considered very safe for both dogs and cats. 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.
The Difference Between Spay & Neuter Surgery
'Spaying' and 'neutering' refer to surgical procedures that cause your pet to be unable to produce puppies. In many places, both kinds of procedures may be referred to as 'neutering' or 'fixing' your dog.
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
After your dog's neuter surgery, your pet should be experiencing a minimal amount of pain, but we know that you will likely want to help them rest and remain as comfortable as possible. Here are a few of the things you can do to help comfort you dog after they have been neutered.
- Ensure that your dog has a quiet place to recover indoors and away from other animals and small children.
- Try and prevent your dog from jumping, running or climbing stairs for two weeks after their neuter. Following 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. Lciking 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.
Contact your vet if you spot any redness, swelling or discharge at the incision site, or if the incision has opened. 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
When picking your dog up from your vet's office after their surgery, your dog may seem a little tired, queasy or otherwise unlike their usual selves. 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.
The pain associated with spay or neuter surgeries is typically more of a discomfort and may last for just a few days and should be completely gone after 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.
Helping With Your Dog's Pain After Neutering
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.
Your vet will also prescribe any take-home pain meds they feel that your dog will need to help relieve post-operative pain. Some of the most common medications prescribed to help manage a dog's pain after spay or neuter surgery include Torbugesic or Rimadyl.
It's very important that you follow your veterinarian's instructions very closely when it comes to giving your dog pain medications. Make sure you never give your pup any human pain medications, either. Some pain medications that are designed for humans are incredibly toxic for 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.