HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR DOG AFTER SPAY SURGERY

RESTRAINT – We encourage the use of pet carriers or a leash for the trip home.  If you don’t have one, we will provide a carrier or a leash free of charge.  Once home your dog should be kept indoors and not allowed access to stairs the first night until any drowsiness wears off.  Reducing activity over the next several days will minimize fluid accumulation under the incision and encourage healing.

FOOD AND WATER – Occasionally there will be some nausea after surgery so we recommend only a small meal with a small amount of water the first night.  The next morning your dog may resume its normal diet with full water.  Good nutrition, especially protein intake is important for post surgical healing.

CARE OF THE INCISION – The skin sutures are absorbable and installed just under the skin and do not need to be removed.  Please do not bathe your dog for 2 weeks to allow time for adequate healing to occur.  Your dog may lick the incision on her belly.  This is normal as long as excessive redness and/or swelling do not occur.  The incision area should be observed daily for redness, discharge or swelling.  Any discharge should be cleaned using hydrogen peroxide on a cotton ball.  Daily application of simple antibiotic ointment like Bacitracin^® sometimes speeds healing.  Some fluid accumulation under the incision is normal. Excessive fluid accumulation (bigger than a hen’s egg) should be checked by the attending veterinarian.

SIGNS TO LOOK FOR:  Weakness, Depression, Pale gums, Loss of appetite, staggering, Vomiting /diarrhea, excessive redness or swelling of the incision.  If your dog exhibits any of these signs, please notify our office immediately.