Aftercare for Dogs

Alteration After-Care for Dogs

All dogs adopted from the Animal Care Center have been spayed or neutered before leaving for their new homes. Although these are routine surgeries, they are still considered major surgery. Because of this, your pet needs special care and attention. Be sure to follow ALL directions below. If you have any questions, please call Animal Care Center Clinic at 714-796-6451 (Monday – Sunday 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.).

General Post-Surgery Instructions

• Your dog may seem sleepy or less active. This is probably a lingering effect of the anesthesia, which wears off at different times for each animal. Confine your dog to a small indoor room. Keep it warm and comfortable. Do not let it rest on cold, hard floors. Provide a blanket to prevent chills.
• Your dog needs rest and quiet. No running, rough play, or other major activity.
• Your dog’s strength should start returning the day after surgery. Expect normal behavior within 48 hours of the surgery. If you do not feel your pet is acting normally by 48 hours after the surgery, please see your veterinarian.
• Continue to restrict activity for 2 weeks after surgery.

Food and Water

• Feed your dog small amounts of food frequently to avoid it from gorging.
• Your dog may not have a normal appetite until 48 hours after surgery.

Sutures (Stitches)

• The surgeon usually closes the incision with sutures placed under the skin that do not need to be removed. This reduces irritation to the skin and annoyance to your pet.
• Occasionally surgical staples will need to be placed. Please check your pet’s belly to see if there are staples. If so, they will need to be removed in 10-14 days. This can be done at your regular veterinarian’s hospital.

Accidental Mating After Surgery

• A female dog can be spayed while she is in heat. After the surgery, she cannot get pregnant. However, the hormones have not disappeared from her body, so she can still attract males for up to 2 weeks.
• An accidental mating can cause serious, even life-threatening injury to a female dog.
• Keep your dog strictly confined indoors and away from dogs of the opposite gender for 2 weeks.

*Reminder – You receive a free health examination from veterinarians who are a member of the Southern California Medical Association (SCVMA). For more information please review your adoption packet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Spay/Neuter?

A spay refers to removing of the uterus and ovaries. This procedure stops the heat cycles and prevents female dogs from becoming pregnant. A neuter is the surgical removal of the testicles (castration). If your new pet is a female, it has been identified as being spayed by using a drop of tattoo ink at the incision site. This helps veterinarians to know that your dog has been spayed.

Why Sterilize?

Millions of dogs and cats are killed every year due to pet overpopulation. Many of the unwanted animals are the direct result of unplanned, unwanted breedings. Altered animals live longer, healthier lives. These surgeries prevent certain cancers, infections, and other illnesses. Altering often leads to positive changes in pets. Pets are generally calmer, less aggressive, and tend to roam less, so they are less likely to get hit by cars, in fights, eaten/injured from coyotes, etc.

When to Sterilize?

Dogs can be sterilized as young as 6 weeks. The younger a dog is sterilized, the better chance it has of avoiding diseases and negative behaviors. Dogs that are ill should not undergo the stress of surgery, as this can make the illness worse.

There is swelling at the incision site. Should I be concerned?

Some swelling is normal and should be expected. If it becomes excessive, oozes, feels hot to the touch, or if your dog is acting ill (decreased activity and/or appetite), please consult your veterinarian.

My dog keeps licking at the incision site. Is this a problem?

Constant licking can irritate the area and cause delayed healing of the site or the incision to open. Ask your veterinarian about a special collar that will prevent your dog from licking and allow the incision to heal.

There is a little blood at the incision site. Is this normal?

A small amount of dried fluid or blood is normal for the first night after surgery. However, if oozing continues, consult your veterinarian.

When can I give my dog a bath?

Wait at least one week, then use a very mild puppy shampoo, and be careful and gentle.

Emergencies

If you believe your dog is in serious danger, please take it to your local veterinarian immediately. Emergency situations include accidental matings, opening of the incision site, heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness, extreme inactivity, or other indications of shock.

If you have a concern during business hours, please contact our veterinary staff at (714) 796-6451.

Please remember that any expenses incurred after adoption are YOUR responsibility. Please call us and let us know if you are in need of emergency services.

After-Hours Emergency Veterinary Hospitals