Helping Your Pet Recover From Spay/Neuter Surgery

February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month! If your pet hasn’t been fixed yet, we recommend getting this done ASAP. Spaying and neutering help prevent unwanted litters, which is the biggest cause for pet overpopulation. Fixed pets are also calmer, better behaved, and less likely to spray. However, while this operation is very routine, your four-legged buddy will need some extra TLC as he or she recuperates. In this article from Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO vet, serving Louisville and surrounding areas, a local vet discusses helping your pet recover.

Your vet will give you specific after-care instructions. Read them carefully, and follow the directions to the letter!

You’ll probably find that you have a groggy, drowsy furball on your hands. Make sure your pet has a clean, comfy bed to snuggle up in. If your four-legged pal could use a new bed, this is a great time to get one! If you have other pets, keep them separated, at least for the first few days. You may want to set up a quiet back room for your furry buddy to recuperate in, so they can rest peacefully.

Your vet may give your pet an Elizabethan collar, also known as the Lampshade of Shame. You can also get an inflatable collar. These devices keep pets from licking or chewing their stitches. Of course, your dog or cat will absolutely despise this ‘necklace.’ Your furry friend will look completely sad and pathetic, and may give you heartbreaking looks of accusation. Don’t let these theatrics fool you! It’s important that your pet leave the surgical site alone. That said, if your pet is extremely agitated or is actively trying to get out of the collar, ask your vet for advice.

Keep a close eye on your pet. Watch for ripped stitches and/or signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, pus, lethargy, fever, and/or vomiting. Contact your vet immediately if you notice anything amiss.

Girls take longer to recover than boys, but your pet should be fully healed in about two weeks. Until your vet gives the all-clear, just let your pet relax and rest. Save those vigorous play sessions for later!

Do you need to schedule a spay/neuter surgery? Contact Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO vet, serving Louisville and surrounding areas, today!