That said, most pets will recover within 10 to 14 days. Neutered dogs and cats often recover more quickly than spayed animals. A neutered male dog may be back to normal, or close to it, in just two or three days. Spayed dogs may need a few more days because the procedure is a bit more intrusive.
Dogs will take different times for neuter surgery recovery. However, your pup should fully recover in about two weeks, the complete dog neutering recovery time. We've outlined the general dog neuter recovery timeline in the table below.
"Spays are much more complex than neuters," says Nellie Goetz, DVM MPH, Executive Director of Altered Tails, a high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinic serving 22,000 patients a year. "Spays involve making entry into the abdominal cavity as well as tying off the blood supply in multiple areas.
A spay is an abdominal procedure that's far more complicated than a neuter. As such, the dog neuter recovery time is much faster than the dog spay recovery time. Some neutered males may not even act as if anything ever changed. In general, larger, older dogs experience a longer recovery period.
If your pet is going to lick or begins to lick their incision, they need to wear an E-Collar (plastic cone) for 7-10 days after surgery. A pet can pull out stitches easily which can lead much more damage.
Keep him as quiet as possible for one week. Too much activity too soon will disrupt the healing process and may result in a painfully swollen scrotum or fluid build-up (seroma). Short on-leash walks are okay. Running or off-leash yard play should not be allowed.
Excessive licking can irritate the incision site causing inflammation, leading to further infection, and will even cause it to reopen. Licking and chewing on the wound will also tear the sutures and require you to visit the vet again to close it properly.
After neutering, your dog will be healthier, easier to train, and more affectionate. You won't have to chase after your dog as he chases a dog in heat. You won't have to clean up the pee that your dog used to mark his territory on your futon. Your dog will be less stubborn and easier to train.
It is not necessary to stay up, or sleep next to your pet and you can leave your dog alone after surgery for short periods as long as they aren't likely to lick their stitches. In fact, many dogs will appreciate some quiet time and the opportunity to sleep after the anaesthetic.
After 48 hours, if you think your dog is feeling well enough, some light exercise is ok if you want to let them explore, but it's important to keep an eye on them and discourage any over-hectic behavior. All dogs are different so you will need to make a call on this depending on how they appear to be recovering.
The recommended age to neuter a male dog is between six and nine months. However, some pet owners have this procedure done at four months. Smaller dogs reach puberty sooner and can often have the procedure done sooner. Larger breeds may need to wait longer in order to properly develop before being neutered.
Research shows that spay-neuter can increase the risk of joint disorders and certain cancers. The likelihood of negative health outcomes varies widely between breeds and sexes.
Our study of the stress-response system in spayed/neutered dogs leads us to believe spay/neuter adversely affects the dog's behavior and personality. In fact, the documented changes in the stress-response system would predict an increased level of fear and anxiety, which in some dogs can result in aggression.
Your pet should be closely supervised and on an exercise restriction for the next 10-14 days. Keep your pet quiet as quiet as possible during the first two weeks. Avoid running, jumping, and excessive playing.
Typically, a dog will need to wear their cone for 10 to 14 days after a spay or neuter surgery — but will need it for much longer (6 to 12 weeks) for orthopedic surgeries. With some simple conditioning, it will be much easier for you to put the cone on and take it off your dog throughout their recovery.
Benefits of Neutering (males):
Reduces or eliminates risk of spraying and marking. Less desire to roam, therefore less likely to be injured in fights or auto accidents. Risk of testicular cancer is eliminated, and decreases incidence of prostate disease.
After your dog's neuter surgery, your pet should be experiencing a minimal amount of pain, but we know that you will likely want to help them rest and remain as comfortable as possible.
While castration does not calm dogs down, it can reduce testosterone-driven actions such as mounting behaviour. It may increase a dog's focus or concentration.
Yes! Dogs can sleep with a dog cone on. Learn how he will get used to it.
Approximately 10 days after surgery, most incisions will have healed enough to allow for removal of external staples or sutures by your veterinarian. The incision edges should be fully sealed and swelling should be significantly decreased, if not gone completely.
Cut the shirt in half, then cut out four holes for your dog's legs. Create ties on either side of the shirt so you can put it on your dog and then tie it closed. You can use any shirt that will cover the wound and prevent your dog from licking at it. You can make your own dog cone, too.
10 days: Up to 10 days after the procedure, dogs can have light exercise in a controlled area, like your home. You can also start walking for short distances, but you must be careful about overdoing it and pushing your pup too far.