Preventive care goes beyond vaccines and parasite prevention. It also includes reproductive surgeries. While they are safe, knowing what to watch for after these procedures is still important. Here, our Argyle vets discuss how to recognize the signs and symptoms of infection after neutering your dog.
What can you expect in the time following your dog's surgery?
After being neutered, your dog may appear queasy or tired. This is normal. Your vet will provide you with pain medications that you can administer to keep your dog comfortable.
During the first night, you will need to monitor their pain levels, continuing to provide them with pain medication as required. You will want to watch for signs of infection or complications.
Your dog's appetite will likely be reduced for the first 24 hours following the neutering procedure. In addition, they will need to wear an Elizabethan cone to prevent them from licking the incision site.
Your vet will advise against bathing your dog or allowing them to swim for a minimum of 10-14 days. This is because the incision site will need to stay dry until it has fully healed.
Keeping your dog relaxed and limiting their movements will be important as they recover. Even if they try to run or jump, this does not mean they are healing quicker than your vet initially predicted – dogs don't know that they need to rest. Keeping them in their crate or a small room away from excitement or outside stimulation will help restrict their movements.
The recovery period for dogs after being neutered is about 10-14 days. Until they fully recover from their operation, it's essential to keep your dog's cone on, the incision site dry, and their activities limited.
Signs of Infection After Neutering Your Dog
It's rare for any complications to develop after a male dog has been neutered. However, there is still an element of risk with every surgical procedure.
This is why following your veterinarian's post-operative care instructions is critical. If they are not followed closely, your beloved pup will be at risk for potential complications or infections, which can lengthen the post-surgical recovery period.
Some potential complications following a neuter procedure include:
- Infection
- Internal bleeding
- Poorly healed surgical site
- Incontinence issues
- Hernias in female dogs
- Ovarian remnants in female dogs
- Scrotal bruising or swelling in males
- Self-inflicted complications
- Complications due to anesthesia
Here are some signs of infection to watch for after neutering your dog:
- A bad smell coming from the incision site
- Acute redness, swelling, or bruising at the incision site
- Lethargy for more than a couple of days
- Refusal to eat more than a couple of meals
- The incision site reopens
- Signs of pain for longer than a week (such as shaking, hiding or drooling)
- Vomiting or diarrhea longer than 24 hours after the procedure
- Bleeding or pus from the incision site
Your vet will provide more information on what you can expect and signs of infection to watch for in neutered (or spayed) dogs. This can include some minor swelling, lethargy, and vomiting. However, If you see any of the above signs of a complication in your dog, it's important to reach out to your vet immediately.
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.