The most important thing to remember is to restrict your pet from eating after 8:00 pm the night before their surgery is scheduled. You can leave their water bowl out until early the next morning, at which time you will need to remove it.
The most important thing you can do the morning of your dog's surgery is make sure he does not have access to food or water. Eating and drinking could cause your dog to aspirate during anesthesia, which is potentially life-threatening.
How to prepare your cat or dog for their Spay/Neuter procedure: Please do not feed your pet any food after midnight the night before surgery. Please ask us about any medications your pet takes non-related to the surgery and if they should be given day of the procedure.
We recommend they are closely observed during the first 12 hours after surgery. 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.
NORMAL VITAL SIGNS
Follow your veterinarian's pre-anesthesia feeding instructions strictly. This typically involves withholding food for approximately 10-12 hours prior to surgery. It is okay for your pet to drink normal amounts of water, unless instructed otherwise.
You might be wondering if a dog can have water before surgery or if dogs should eat before surgery. In most cases, you will be asked not to feed or drink anything to your pet after midnight the night before their surgery.
The most important thing to remember is to restrict your pet from eating after midnight the night before surgery. You can leave their water bowl out until early the next morning, at which time you will need to remove it.
Most pets will stay at the hospital the night after they are spayed or neutered for observation. However, some pets may be allowed to go home that evening. Remember, your pet had a major surgery with anesthetic and they may be drowsy or may try to hide. This is when the crate can be very handy.
Please allow your pet to rest quietly, and be careful with other pets and small children. It is best to confine cats to a small, dark room (ie bathroom, bedroom, etc) for the night with a small amount of food, water, and a litterbox.
You may want to give your pet a bath prior to coming in for surgery, as we will request that you do not bathe your pet for 10-14 days after surgery. If your pet's fur is currently caked with mud or the hair is matted, you may want to go to a groomer prior to surgery.
An age of six to nine months of age may be appropriate for neutering or spaying a toy breed puppy or small breed puppy but a larger or giant breed may need to wait until they are near or over 12-18 months of age.
Restrict Your Dog's Activity For 10-14 Days
Regardless of the procedure performed, help your dog heal by restricting her activity for at least 10 to 14 days post-surgery. Your veterinarian may give specific instructions for a longer period of rest, depending on your dog's particular situation.
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.
If your pet has not pooped/peed within 48 hours after surgery, you should visit our clinic during business hours or you should seek out a full service vet clinic (at your expense).
In dogs that regained ambulatory function within 1 year postoperatively, total duration of anesthesia was significantly shorter, with a median of 4.0 hours (minimum 1.5, maximum 8.0, IQR 3.2‐5.1), compared to 4.5 hours (minimum 1.9, maximum 10.9, IQR 3.7‐5.6) in those that did not (P = . 01; Figure
Fasting is Common
You may be instructed to remove your pet's access to food and water for 12 hours prior to surgery.
Some dogs experience nausea after general anesthesia, so dividing the meal into smaller portions may decrease the risk of nausea and vomiting. Unless otherwise instructed, your dog's access to water should not be restricted.
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.
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.
There are some old wives' tales that a dog should go through at least 1 heat cycle before she's spayed. This just isn't the case. Studies have shown that the risks of mammary cancer and urinary incontinence are higher if you wait to spay your dog after she's gone through 1 or more heat cycles.
Avoid running, jumping, and excessive playing. Strenuous activity increases your pet's risk of developing swelling around the incision site that could result in premature dissolving of sutures, opening of the incision, and costly medical care that would be your responsibility. Keep the incision dry.