How To Care For A Puppy After Spaying

One of the tasks of every responsible pet owner is to have their puppy sterilized at the appropriate time. This not only safeguards the health of the puppy, but it also prevents contributing to the burgeoning pet population and unwanted animals.
The sterilizing process for a female dog is called "spaying," in which the ovaries are removed. This is a surgical process and is more invasive than neutering a male dog. Advice for the best time to spay a puppy varies depending on who you are talking to.
The most common consensus is between five and eight months, when the dog's reproductive system has matured and prior to the dog going into heat. However, if the dog does go into heat, it is not recommended to have her spayed until after the period has ended. The risk for complications is higher during the surgery as well as lengthening the recovery time.
Some rescue groups will sterilize a dog as young as eight weeks. Contact your vet to see the most optimum time to sterilize your puppy based on their breed and health. While spaying is an invasive procedure, there are some simple steps that can be taken to ease the discomfort for your dog.
Limit Activity
Post surgery is not the time for your puppy to be running around and exploring. Just as you would for a human family member going through a medical procedure, plan on setting aside some time to be home to attend to your dog after the surgery. Keep her indoors and limit her space to roam if possible. Your dog should not be jumping on furniture or doing any other strenuous activity for the first day or so after the surgery. Make sure to have a comfortable bed that is easy for her to get on and off.
Protect Stitches
The one challenge after the spaying procedure is that your dog may try to scratch or bite at the stitches. This needs to be prevented as it could cause the wound to open, the incision to get infected, or both. If your dog has a tendency to do this, the best solution is to get an inexpensive cone shaped collar to prevent it.
Tip 3: Monitor Food and Water
The other consideration is to monitor your dog's food and water intake for several days following the surgery. Ask your vet for the recommended amounts. Also ask regarding medication usage and dosages for the period following the surgery. Just as with humans, it is better to be preemptive about pain medication to keep the discomfort to a minimum.
Signs to Watch For
The main signs to watch for after your dog has been spayed is the stitches breaking open or the wound becoming infected. If the incision area has abnormal swelling or a dark or infected discharge, contact your vet right away.
Spaying your puppy is a necessary step in the life of your dog; however, with proper attention to the care of your puppy, the discomfort will quickly pass.