4 Things To Expect After Your Puppy Is Spayed
Posted on: 27 June 2016
Spaying is a surgical procedure for female dogs that involves the removal of the uterus and ovaries. This surgery helps prevent unwanted litters of puppies and undesirable behaviors during heat cycles, and may also protect a female dog from a variety of reproductive diseases. Veterinarians typically recommend to have a female dog spayed while she is still a puppy; spaying is known to be a safe procedure, but it is a major abdominal surgery done anesthesia. Continue reading to learn more about what you can expect when you bring your puppy home after surgery:
Disorientation
When you pick up your puppy after surgery, she should be conscious but will likely still be experiencing the effects of general anesthesia. Your puppy may have problems with balance and walking properly, so be prepared to assist or carry her to the car and into your home. As the anesthesia continues to wear off, your puppy may seem groggy, so don't be alarmed that your rambunctious puppy isn't acting like herself.
Lethargic
Following spaying, most puppies will be quite lethargic and want to sleep. Avoid trying to wake your puppy up or engage her in activity-- sleep is the best thing to help her recover from surgery and allow her body to metabolize the anesthesia. The best thing you can do is set up a comfortable sleeping spot, preferably in a safe, enclosed space like a kennel.
Lack of Appetite
It is not uncommon for puppies to experience a lack of appetite after being spayed, usually because they may feel nauseous from the anesthesia. Appetite usually begins to increase as the anesthesia wears off. When your dog shows signs of being hungry, slowly introduce small amounts of food-- if vomiting occurs avoid giving any more food.
Incision Care
A vet will examine your puppy's incision site before she is released to ensure that it is in good condition. Examine the incision when leaving the vet's office so you know what it is supposed to look like. If you notice swelling, discharge, excessive redness, or blood around the incision site in the days following surgery, immediately call your puppy's vet as her incision may be infected and need prompt veterinary care.
It is important that your puppy does not lick, scratch, or try to bite the incision site, as this can lead to a serious infection or cause the incision to open up. A cone shaped collar for small animal surgery recovery can prevent your puppy from being able to reach the incision site; if a collar is not provided by your puppy's vet, you can purchase one at most pet stores.
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