Things You'll Need:
- Peroxide
- Cotton balls
- Elizabethan Collar
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Step 1
PICK-UP.
Usually a veterinarian or their assistant will go over the after care with you. Ask if they have a print out or take notes if possible, it can be easy to forget if relying on memory alone. Also try to have payment & instructions taken care of prior to release of your pet, once you see your love all attention goes immediately to him/her.
*They can and should be able to walk on their own. Some grogginess is expected, but if you witness extreme stumbling you should speak to the vet. Most anesthesias wear off within just a short time, but an intravenous pain medication was most likely given. This can cause the grogginess as well as some nausea and even confusion. Do not be frightened if your dog does not come to you happily, they have just been through a scary ordeal and will warm up once they are back home with you in their safe environment! -
Step 2
FOOD/WATER
You'll want to start slowly with just a cup of water first. They will feel thirsty, but if you let them gulp a whole bunch it will just come right back up. So pace them. After they've kept the water down for an hour you can start introducing food. Again small amounts at first then increasing every 1/2 hour. Nothing new or rich, you don't want to challenge the stomach or digestive system! Also don't be alarmed if they show little interest in food the first night, just offer. By the next day you should see a much improved appetite. If you are not seeing them eat by the next afternoon or if you are seeing continued vomiting you need to call your vet. -
Step 3
PAIN CONTROL
Follow your vet' s recommendations on pain meds. If you have received a prescription the directions will be on the bottle, and your vet should have told you whether to begin those the first night or start the following day. In the following days of recovery please be aware a little bit of pain is needed so they do not become to active and consequently harm the healing process.
*Do Not give any human medications! This can lead to serious complications. -
Step 4
SUTURES(stitches)
You'll want to clean the incision area once a day with peroxide. Place a small amount on a cotton ball and gently dab the sutures and surrounding area. You will not be able to bathe your animal within the first week, ask your vet for their specific requirements. It takes about a full 10-14 days for recovery. After this time you'll be returning for a recheck. Ask to have the sutures removed, even if they are dissolvable they can cause itching and irritation. Most vets should do this free of charge.
*Some vets use a skin bond, in which case you will not have any stitches to remove, but the cleaning with peroxide is still a good idea. -
Step 5
New e-collar from PetSmartLICKING
Keep a very close eye on excessive licking, starting the first night on. You do not want the incision area licked open! It can be a costly fix and possibly another round of anesthesia. If your dog is doing this you will need to get an Elizabethan collar. Most vets or pet stores carry them. There is a new style carried at Pet Smart that looks like a neck brace. These are great because they do not interfere with hearing or sight and cause little problems with eating.
*some clients have tried over the counter "bitter" ointments to defer licking. If you try that approach make sure to not apply directly to incision area. -
Step 6
LOVE
Most importantly let the love and attention flow. Your best friend will soon be back on top and better than ever. You can rest easy knowing you have given the best care and a brighter future for your loved one. Not only does spaying and neutering help the community it helps the long term health of your animal and extends his or her life by years!
