Warning Signs After Spaying a Dog
Since it's such a normal part of responsible dog ownership, it can be easy to forget that spaying your dog can be a pretty big operation. So, what should you be looking for? What are the signs of infection after spaying or neutering? What can be cared for at home, and when should you get to a vet?
This article does not constitute medical advice; please seek a vet for emergencies.
Key Takeaway
Keep an eye on your dog’s incision area for redness, swelling, or bleeding, and notice any changes in behavior or signs they’re uncomfortable; these can be early signs of infection.
Table of Contents
Reducing the Risk of Complications
Any surgical procedure carries the risk of complications, and can make spaying or neutering your dog a difficult decision. However, the complications, especially in male dogs, are pretty low.
You can reduce the risks further by making sure your dog is at a good age for spaying or neutering. For most dogs, this will be at around 6 months to a year old after they have reached sexual maturity[1], or when they begin to show sexual behaviors.
Let your vet know if you suspect your dog has been exposed to viruses or bacteria or is showing any signs of infection before their surgery.
What to Expect After Your Dog’s Surgery
Right After Surgery
After your dog wakes up from their spaying or neutering, they will probably be woozy. They may feel a bit ill and not want to eat or drink right away. Always follow your veterinarian's postoperative instructions for pain medications.
You should stop your dog from running around or jumping for more than a couple of days. If their incision site reopens, it can cause bleeding or infection, so let a vet know right away.
The incision site should also stay safely protected. Most vets will provide a cone so that your dog won't pick at their stitches or lick their incision site.
If your vet approves, you can provide your dog with a clean pair of pajamas or a sweater to keep them calm and protect the incision site. It is normal for there to be some minor swelling at the incision site.
If you are interested, check out Sparkpaws’ Dog Pajamas Onesies Collection.
Long-Term Recovery After Your Dog’s Procedure
Most dogs should regain their appetite after a day or two - you should call your vet if they refuse to take any food or water.
It is important to keep the incision site dry and protected. It should begin to scab, which can cause itching.
Neutering male dogs is less invasive, so male dogs may recover faster than female dogs. This means you may have to keep your female dogs inside for longer and be more wary of signs of infection.
You can slowly reintroduce some exercise after two weeks, especially after the stitches are removed. However, avoid letting your dog swim or roll in mud for at least ten days to two weeks after the surgery.
Warning Signs of Complications
You will need to locate the incision site and keep a careful eye on it. With male dogs, this is normally close to the back, while female dogs may have it on their stomachs.
They should not have lethargy for more than a couple of days after surgery. They will probably also be able to eat and drink soon afterwards. Read the pain medication's side effects and make sure you are following instructions.
If your dog seems to be in excessive pain more than a couple of days after the spaying procedure or neuter procedure, then take them to the vet. This can include drooling, whining, and pacing or hiding behavior.
Also, be careful of excessive bleeding, especially when spaying female dogs. It's important to keep the incision site dry, and too much blood may mean the wound is not sealing properly.
Signs of Infection After Your Dog’s Spay Operation
One of the biggest risks of surgery is infection at the incision site. Classic signs of infection can include
- Acute redness and swelling(natural minor swelling should go down after a day or two)
- Warmth around the incision site
- Unusual incision site bleeding
- Red lines leading towards the heart
- Bad smell from the wound
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Lethargy that lasts more than a couple of days
- Pus or excessive moisture from the wound
If you see any signs of infection or the incision site reopens after spaying or neutering your dog, then get them to a vet right away.
Less Common Complications
After your dog’s spaying operation, some female dogs may develop hernias when exercising. You may see a swollen or protruding abdomen.
Rarely, after spaying or neutering your dog, there may be some incontinence issues. This is unusual and should be brought up with your vet. Pay attention if their urine smells bad or contains blood, as this could indicate an infection.
Some dogs may also have a bad reaction to pain medications.[2] Never give a dog human pain medication, and always monitor them if trying a medication for the first time.
Sometimes your dog’s spay operation or neuter procedure can cause them some anxiety and stress, especially if they are sensitive. They may be a bit more nervous and anxious for a while, or avoid car trips and medicine. A good swaddle or dog jersey may help.
Conclusion
Spaying or neutering your dog is a major surgical procedure, so it’s important to follow your veterinarian’s post-operative instructions. Expect some lethargy, low appetite, and redness, swelling or bruising after the spay or neuter procedure.
You need to keep the incision site clean, dry, and protected. Prevent licking and limit your dog's activities for about 10–14 days to speed up recovery time. Watch out for warning signs such as excessive pain, bleeding, redness, bad odor, pus, fever, vomiting, or lasting lethargy.
If your dog is very anxious after their spay or neuter, or you want to protect the wound, consider giving them some dog pajamas to make them more comfortable. You can find some doggy pajamas at Sparkpaws’ Dog Pajamas Onesies Collection.
Ext Links
[1] https://drphillipsanimalhospital.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know if something is wrong after spaying?
Look out for unusual behavior that lasts more than a few days after dog neutering. Keep a close eye for acute redness, bleeding, reopening, bad smell, or excessive pain around the wound area.
How long does a female dog take to recover after being spayed?
Most dogs take 10–14 days if there are no complications. A cone and careful monitoring of your pet’s condition can help prevent complications.
What not to do after spaying a dog?
After a spaying or neutering procedure, you should avoid running, jumping, and excessive playing. Strenuous exercise increases your pet's risk of developing swelling around the wound or opening their stitches. Avoid swimming or wet areas too.