The discomfort caused by spay or neuter surgeries lasts for just a few days and should be completely gone after about a week. If your pet is experiencing pain or discomfort for more than a couple of days it's a good idea to contact your vet for further advice.
Some dogs may show some, or all of, the signs below which indicate that they're in pain: Dog crying all night after spay. Whining or whimpering. Biting or licking at the incision site.
Due to the prevention of sudden hormone changes, a female dog should return to her normal behavior within the first three weeks after spaying. However, spaying does not change your dog's personality. She will not be any less hyper or aggressive after spay surgery if those are her normal personality traits.
For the first few days, though, they may experience mild pain. Monitor your pet's behavior and alert us if they seem uncomfortable or are not eating, they are whining or howling, unable to rest, and so on. Support your dog's body – Use added padding and blankets that do not have abrasive materials for extra comfort.
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.
Post-Surgery Home Care for Pets
To prevent any injuries, it is best to keep your pet in a quiet, contained area. Rest is very important in this stage of recovery. It might be necessary to keep your pet contained to a small area for a few days to make sure that they aren't moving around too much.
After Spay Surgery
Sometimes, a pet who is spayed can return home the same day. Other times, she may need to spend the night under veterinary supervision. Pain medication can be given to your pet if she needs it, but most don't. Your pet may be nauseous following the procedure and not want to eat for a day or two.
Either way, it is very important that you limit your pet's movements during the 7 to 10 day recovery period, as strenuous activity, such as running, jumping or playing, could disrupt the healing process and even cause the incision to become swollen or open.
"No running, jumping, playing, swimming, or strenuous activity for 14 days." That's what our post surgical instructions said as I brought my dog home after her spay surgery.
Keep her as quiet as possible for one week. Too much activity too soon will disrupt the healing process and can lead to swelling and/or the formation of a fluid pocket under the incision. If a fluid pocket does form (seroma), it should go away on its own in a few weeks. Short on-leash walks are okay.
At the end of the surgery, your vet will administer pain medications to your dog via an injection. This long-term pain medication should last for about 12-24 hours.
Some amount of pain is normal for dogs that have been spayed immediately following their procedure. While some dogs are able to tolerate pain more than others, don't be surprised if your dog whines or whimpers after being spayed. It's perfectly normal for dogs to whine after being spayed.
Cuddles, cuddles and more cuddles
Your dog loves to be by your side, so post-op recovery is a perfect time to cozy up with your pet and relax together.
The morning after the operation you may begin to take your dog for walks again, although be advised that any walks for the next 10-14 days are lead walks only and for no more than 20 minutes at any one time.
Spaying your dog reduces any aggressive behavior patterns so your dog will likely be less aggressive toward people and other dogs after spay surgery.
Spend Extra Time with Your Dog
Your dog will feel confused and uncomfortable after her surgery. Set aside extra time to snuggle with her, pet her, and just dote on your pup. The more reassurance she has from you, the better she'll feel.
Your pet needs to be kept in an indoor crate/ kennel for most of the day and night for the next 10 days. The time of highest risk for the sutures breaking down is 3-5 days after surgery.
Following your pup's surgery, simply buy 5 or so new toys of varying types and introduce them to your dog one day at a time. Remove the previous toy each day you introduce the next one, and keep rotating them to keep interest high. Your dog will be delighted to have an exciting “new” toy every day of their recovery.
Typical Recovery Times for Pets After Surgery
Generally, soft tissue surgeries will be almost entirely healed by the two or three-week mark post-operation. It will likely take about six weeks until your pet is fully healed.
Because she is likely in pain. She had her uterus and ovaries removed. If the vet did not give you pain medication to give her call and ask for some. If she's on pain meds already you're going to have to realize that not all pain can be relieved.
The first week after your dog is spayed or neutered is the critical week where you want to make sure your dog is not playing rough or running or jumping. A few days after the procedure, it is probably OK to involve your pup in controlled leash walks – this includes walking up and down the stairs.
Most veterinary practices advise a post-op check around 3-5 days after surgery. If the wound looks good then, you may be able to start walking your dog outside again. We advise keeping them on a lead and only for a few minutes to start.
Vets advise you to let your dog rest for up to 48 hours after neutering. Light short and slow walks just for them to do their business is fine until you bring your dog in for their 3-day check-up.
If you're still not sure what's going on with your dog, please call your vet clinic and brainstorm with a nurse to try to figure out why it's happening. The good news is that if you follow the rules, the whining should stop overnight or within a few days.