Spaying and neutering are procedures that help control animal populations. They also offer many health benefits for your pet, including a reduced risk of certain cancers and infections. After finding a reputable veterinary clinic for your pet’s surgery, there are several things you can do to help them heal and recover quickly.
What Are Neutering and Spaying?
Neutering is the surgical removal of a male animal’s testicles. This procedure is also called castration. Spaying involves the surgical removal of a female animal’s ovaries and uterus. The technical term for this procedure is an ovariohysterectomy.
These procedures are major surgeries that require general anesthesia. Your pet will likely stay overnight for observation and pain management at the veterinary clinic. See here for other vet surgeries your pet might need.
Why Have Your Pet Spayed or Neutered?
There are a few good reasons to spay or neuter your pet. For one, these procedures help reduce the number of homeless animals. They also offer health benefits for your pet, including:
- Reduced risk of certain cancers
- Reduced risk of infections
- Less likely to roam or run away
- More calm and easygoing personality
What Can I Do to Help My Pet Heal After Surgery?
The first 24 hours after surgery are the most critical. The following are a number of things you can do to help your pet heal during this time:
- Provide a calm, quiet environment. Keep activity levels low and give your pet plenty of time to rest. Avoid letting them jump on furniture or play with other animals too roughly.
- Monitor their food and water intake. Ensure they eat and drink enough, but don’t let them overdo it. A general rule of thumb is that 1/2 cup of food they usually eat should be offered at least two hours after their surgery. For animals under 16 weeks old, you can feed them half of their normal food as soon as you return home.
For the following ten days, here are things you can do:
- Watch for signs of pain or discomfort. For the next days, observe your pet for any signs of pain, such as whimpering or crying. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any unusual behavior or your pet seems to be in distress.
- Keep an eye on their incision. The incision should be clean and dry. Check it daily for any redness, swelling, severe bleeding, or discharge. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
- Give them any medications as prescribed by your veterinarian. This will usually include pain relief and antibiotics. It’s essential to give your pet their medication on time and as prescribed to avoid overdosage or under dosage.
- Avoid bathing your pet during this time. The incision needs to stay dry and clean, so it’s best to wait until it has healed before bathing them. You can gently wipe them down with a damp cloth if necessary.
- Change their litter box regularly. Cleanliness is especially essential for pets during this time. Make sure to change their litter box regularly to avoid infection.
- Change their e-collar if it gets dirty. An Elizabethan collar, or “e-collar,” is a cone-shaped piece of plastic that helps prevent your pet from licking their incision. If you notice the e-collar getting dirty, wet, or chewed, change it right away.
Final Thoughts
Pet spaying and neutering are significant decisions for your pet, but they have many benefits. These procedures help reduce the number of homeless animals and offer health advantages for your pet. They should be some of the vet services, along with dog and cat teeth cleaning, vaccinations, and deworming, that you discuss with your veterinarian during your pet’s annual check-up.
