Spaying or neutering your dog is a significant decision, and you may be worried about potential complications. While the chances of a complication are low, our veterinarians in San Diego provide information on what to expect from spaying/neutering your dog and the signs of infection and other complications to watch for.
Spaying & Neutering for Dogs
During a spaying or neutering procedure, a veterinarian surgically removes a dog's reproductive organs to prevent them from reproducing. Spaying refers to the removal of a female dog's uterus and ovaries, while neutering involves removing a male dog's testicles.
These procedures not only help control the population of pets, but also have health benefits for dogs, such as reducing the risk of certain cancers and behavioral issues. Along with preventing unwanted litters, spaying and neutering can also help reduce the number of stray dogs in communities. By spaying or neutering your dog, you are contributing to a healthier and more sustainable pet population.
When to Get Your Dog Spayed or Neutered
The ideal age to have your dog spayed or neutered depends on your dog's age, breed, and general health. generally, veterinarians recommend that dogs have this procedure done between six and nine months of age. However, some large-breed dogs may benefit from waiting until they are a bit older, around 12 to 18 months, to ensure they've developed properly.
Expectations for an Unneutered Dog
Choosing not to get your dog neutered (or 'fixed') comes with certain considerations and potential challenges. Unfixed dogs are more likely to display aggressive and territorial behaviors.
Male dogs may mark their territory with urine and become more likely to wander, which increases their risk of accidents or getting lost.
Female dogs that are not spayed will go into heat about every six months, which can result in unwanted attention from male dogs and the potential for unplanned litters.
What Happens During a Spay or Neuter Procedure
When female dogs are spayed, the veterinarian removes the ovaries and uterus. While the testicles are removed during a neutering procedure for male dogs. A veterinarian typically performs these procedures while a dog is under general anesthesia.
The incision site will then be closed with sutures or surgical glue, and you'll need to monitor your dog closely while they recover to ensure they are comfortable and healing properly.
What to Expect After Your Dog's Spay or Neuter Procedure
After the procedure, your dog may feel somewhat queasy or tired, which is a common side effect of anesthesia. Your dog will be given pain medications to help ease any discomfort. Their appetite will be reduced during the first 24 hours after the operation.
After surgery, it's important to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your vet. These may include limiting physical activity, monitoring the incision site for any signs of infection, and administering any medications prescribed by your vet.
Your dog must wear a cone to prevent them from licking the incision site, and you should not bathe or allow them to swim for at least 10-14 days to keep the incision site dry and free from bacteria, which can cause infection. It's important to keep the wound dry until it heals.
Limiting your dog's activities and ensuring they get enough rest until they recover is critical. Even if they try to run or jump, this does not mean they will heal faster. Dogs do not understand the importance of rest after surgery, so you must restrict their movements. Keep your pup in a crate or a small room away from excitement to limit their movements (no running or jumping).
The procedure for a spayed female dog is more complex than neutering male dogs, but their recovery time should be about the same, approximately 10-14 days.
Most dogs recover quickly from spaying or neutering procedures and are back to their normal selves within a few days. Discuss any questions or concerns you have with your veterinarian before scheduling the surgery to ensure you fully understand what to expect after the procedure.
Signs of Infection & Complications in a Neutered/Spayed Dog
Remember that while complications following a spay or neuter procedure are extremely rare, any surgical procedure carries some risk. Therefore, it is critical to follow your veterinarian's post-operative instructions precisely.
Failure to do so may result in a longer recovery time for your dog and an increased risk of developing complications or infections. Some potential side effects of a spay and neuter procedure include:
- Infection
- Anestetic complications
- Self-inflicted wounds from scratching
- Poorly healed wound
- Scrotal bruising/swelling in males
- Incontinence problems
- Hernias in females
- Internal bleeding
- Ovarian remnants in females
Here are signs of infection and other complications you should watch for:
- Lethargy for more than a couple of days
- Refusal to eat more than a couple of meals
- Signs of pain for longer than a week (shaking, hiding, drooling)
- Acute redness, swelling, or bruising at the incision site
- Bleeding or pus from the incision site
- Vomiting or diarrhea longer than 24 hours after the procedure (some immediately after can be normal as a result of anesthesia)
- The incision site reopens
- A foul smell coming from the incision site
Your veterinarian will provide more information about what to expect after the procedure, including side effects like minor swelling, lethargy, and vomiting. However, you should contact your veterinarian right away if your dog displays any of the above signs of complications.
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.