How do I treat or care for my pet after spay or neuter surgery?

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If your dog experiences any post-operative complications within 48 - 72 hours, return to the Animal Services Pet Adoption and Protection Center Monday - Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or take the dog to a private veterinarian. If complications develop outside of the clinic operating hours, seek emergency veterinary care.

Here are some tips to care for your pet after surgery:

• There are no skin sutures to be removed, but your pet has been tattooed. This is to identify him/her as sterilized
• Check the incision twice daily and watch for any discharge, foul odor or significant swelling
• Contact a veterinarian immediately if you notice vomiting, diarrhea, weakness or continued bleeding
• Don't allow your pet to lick or chew at the incision, as it will delay healing
• It may be necessary for you to purchase an Elizabethan collar at your local pet supply store to prevent your pet from injuring himself or herself
• Your pet was given anesthesia for surgery, which sometimes makes pets feel nauseous. Offer your pet a small amount of food and water but if they do not want to eat, do not force them
• Your pet was also given an injection of a pain reliever (Rimadyl®) that lasts 24 hours. Do not give your pet any other medications, especially human medications which are deadly to pets
• Although spay or neuter is a common surgery, it is still a major surgery. Therefore, it is very important to limit their activity to allow them to recover
• Do not allow them to run, jump or engage in rough play for a full week after surgery
• A pet normally kept outdoors should be kept indoors for at least 24 hours as they recover from the anesthesia
• For cats, please use shredded newspaper instead of litter to help keep the incision clean
• You may bathe your pet after seven days, but do not submerge them in water and do not scrub the incision