Understanding Dog Spaying and Neutering with Country Hills Pet Hospital
What's the difference between spaying and neutering a dog?
Spay is the term we use for a female. Neuter is the term we use for a male.
How old should my dog be when I bring them in for a spay or neuter?
That is going to depend on your dog's size and breed. Your doctor will determine the age at one of their puppy appointments and discuss what is best for your pet.
What are the benefits of spaying or neutering my dog?
Spaying or neutering your dog reduces the chances of mammary cancer and testicular cancer, eliminates the chance of unwanted pregnancy, and reduces roaming behaviors in males.
Are there any risks associated with spaying or neutering my dog?
There are risks associated with it, but we do our best to mitigate those risks, including pre-surgical blood work screening, as well as a certified technician monitoring them throughout their entire procedure and recovery.
How should I prepare my dog for spaying or neutering?
We want to work on leash manners as they will need to be leash-walked after. You can practice using the cone, letting them roll over, and looking at their belly to check their incision. We also recommend grooming before the procedure as well.
What should I expect on the day of surgery for my dog?
What you'll expect is that you'll come in for a drop-off. We will get you into a room. A technician will review your estimate, review the paperwork with you, and have you sign off so you are comfortable before you leave with the plan. Then we will take your pet, get them all settled in for surgery, and then we'll give you a call as soon as they are done to let you know how everything went.
What is the recovery process for spaying or neutering my dog, and how can I care for them after surgery?
Recovery is about a two-step process. You will want to have a collar or bodysuit on them to prevent them from licking at the incision. We recommend limiting activity, so we suggest either confining them to a small area in your house or using a kennel when they're inside. We want them on a leash while outside to prevent chasing any bunnies or rabbits that could damage their incision.
What should I do if there are any problems with my dog's incision?
You should give us a call right away.
Will my dog gain weight after surgery?
There is a potential for that. So we do recommend watching that closely. You may need to reduce the amount of food that you're feeding them.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (920) 477-3003, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!