How to Care for a Dog after her Spay

Even though a spay surgery may leave your dog sick for a few days, rest assured it is one of the very best things you can do for her health wise.

If possible, pick your dog up from the vet the same day as her operation. In most cases, hospitalization’s only effect is raising both the cost of the spay and the dog’s stress level. Unless your vet is a 24hr facility, hospitalized pets are caged and alone all night- while pets carefully transported home can be checked on throughout the night and can begin to recover at home where they feel safe and comfortable.

Follow your vet’s advice regarding post-op pain medication. Remember that dog’s bodies are very different from their own. Even though a spay is major abdominal surgery, dog’s bodies heal very quickly. If your dog begins to feel too good, she will be more active and will be more likely to reinjure her incision. Pain tells a dog whether she should rest or play, run around the house or stay in bed. If your dog is being too active, decrease the pain medication so she will choose to rest.

Once you get your dog home from the vets you want to keep her very comfortable for the first 24-26 hours. A familiar bed with a blanket and a hot water bottle is great to keep her comfortable and warm. She probably won’t appreciate being touched much but quietly remaining near her may be comforting for her. Follow your vets instructions regarding feeding, but remember not to feed too much. You may want to feed soft food or let kibble soak for a few minutes to help your dog get enough water.

Within a day or two your dog will be up and around again, and in three to four days you’ll be struggling to restrict her activity. Your vet will probably advise low activity for 10-14 days, but as long as you restrict jumping, rough play, and all out running for that time your dog should be fine.

You should check her incision every day for signs of inflammation or infection. The scar from a spay incision is typically gone within several months – but can be expedited with a supplement or topical application of Vitamin E.