Helping Your Pet Recover from Spay/Neuter Surgery

February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month! If your furry buddy hasn’t been fixed yet, we recommend getting this done ASAP. Your pet will not only be calmer and better-behaved, but he or she will also enjoy several health benefits, such as reduced or eliminated risks of developing certain cancers. This is also a great way to promote animal welfare, by reducing unwanted litters. However, while this surgery is very routine, your pet will need some extra TLC as they recover. An Omaha, NE vet discusses aftercare below.

Comfy Location

Make sure your pet has a clean, comfy spot to recuperate. Your four-legged buddy will probably be drowsy when they get home, and may want to immediately curl up for a nap. This is a great time to get your animal companion a comfy new bed! If you have other pets, you may want to set up your furry patient in a quiet back room with bedding, food, and, in Fluffy’s case, a litterbox, at least for the first few days.

The Lampshade

Your vet may recommend that your pet wear an Elizabethan collar, also known as a lampshade. You can also order an inflatable collar. This is to help keep your pet from nibbling on their stitches. Your four-legged pal probably won’t be thrilled with the collar, and may give you accusing looks, but it really is for their own good. If your furry friend is extremely agitated and/or trying to get out of the collar, ask your vet for recommendations.

Warning Signs

Keep a close eye on the incision site, and look for signs of trouble. Some red flags are redness, swelling, heat, or pus around the stitches; bleeding; and ripped stitches. Vomiting, fever, and lethargy are also warning signs. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.

Recovery Time

Male pets generally recuperate more quickly than females, as the neutering procedure is less invasive than the one for spaying. However, your furry pal should be over the hump of healing within about a week, and completely recovered in about 14 days.

Tips

Your vet will give you specific after-care instructions. Be sure to follow them to the letter! Don’t be afraid to ask questions, either. That’s what we’re here for!

Do you need to schedule spay/neuter surgery for your pet? Call us, your local Omaha, NE pet hospital, today!