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6 Tips On How to Care for Your Pet After Getting Fixed
When first getting a pet, it’s important to have them spayed or neutered because it can provide them with a longer lifespan. Non-neutered pets have shorter life spans because they have an increased urge to roam, as well as they’re more prone to certain kinds of cancers. Here is what you need to know about getting your pet "fixed":
What Is Fixing a Pet?
Fixing your pet, otherwise known as spaying or neutering, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of reproductive organs. The procedure permanently stops your pet from having a heat cycle and operantly stops the pet from being able to reproduce.
You can take your pet to their vet, or you can go to a New York City spay & neutering clinic, if you live around the area, so you can book an appointment. This is a great option for those who have yet to find their permanent vet, but want to get their pet fixed right away.
The procedure itself is done under anesthesia and involves some down period While fixing your pet is important, knowing how to care for them after being fixed is just as, if not more, important.
Here are some tips to keep in mind after getting your pet fixed:
1. Limit Activity After Surgery
How your pet reacts after surgery will vary from other ones. Some pets are active, while others stay quiet and lay low. Whichever way your pet reacts, you’ll want to be sure to limit their movement for at least seven to ten days. Some activities you may want to put restrictions on
include:
- Running
- Jumping
- Playing with you or other pets
- Any strenuous activity
Here are some ways to help your pet remain calm and less active after getting fixed:
- Utilize a carrier or kennel when they can’t be supervised, ensuring they’re able to stand and turn around inside.
- If possible, carry them up and down the stairs.
- Walk them on a leash when letting them go to the bathroom.
- Don’t take your pet for long walks or allow them to play with other pets.
- Keep your pet off of furniture.
- Keep them in a separate room where they can be monitored, and provided food and water.
2. Watch Their Diet
It should take about 24 hours for your pet’s appetite to return to normal after getting fixed. When you first take your pet home, feed them half the amount you normally do, but, after that, return to a normal feeding schedule.
During the recovery time, don’t feed your pet any table scrap or foods other than their own as changes in their diet could cause post-surgical complications. Water should be readily available.
3. Keep Incision Dry
You should be checking the incision site twice a day and be looking for anything abnormal, like drainage, discharge, redness, or swelling.
You should also prevent your pet from licking or chewing on the incision as this could cause to open up or become infected, which would require follow up vet visits. It’s suggested to utilize a cone or a no-cone collar that would prevent your pet from reaching their incision site at all.
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure the incision stays dry. This means don’t give them a bath, apply any ointments, or let your pet out in the rain. A cone can help keep the incision dry as well since your pet will be unable to lick the healing area.
4. Monitor Pain Levels
Most vets will provide pain medication before, during, and after the procedure. However, if your pet still seems to be in pain after returning home, it would be best that you call your clinic or vet
and allow them to assess what the best course of action is.
5. Watch for Complications
There are potential complications after a spaying or neutering surgery that you should be looking out for after taking your pet home. These can include:
- Pale gums
- Unsteady gate
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Discharge or bleeding from incision
- Depression
- Loss of appetite or decreased water intake
- Difficulty urinating or defecating
- Labored breathing
6. Call If There Are Any Concerns
No matter what question or concern you may come up with after surgery, it’s best to call your vet and get their expert advice. While they may tell you not to worry about your concern, or that what you’re noticing is normal, it’s best to hear that opinion from the vet than assume everything
is fine, only to find out later on that it isn’t.
Conclusion
Fixing your pet is an important part of taking care of them, however what’s even more important is knowing how to take care of them after the surgery. While the above tips can help, the best advice for any pet owner who’s getting ready to fix their pet is to listen to their vet and do everything they say once you’ve gotten home with your recovering pet.
