Comprehensive Guide to Post-Surgery Care for Your Dog

TLDRLearn how to take care of your dog after spay or neuter surgery with these tips and exercises. Avoid activities that can cause stitches to tear and have essential items like a leash, cone, and crate ready. Counter condition your dog to wearing a cone or donut, and engage them in mental and limited physical exercises. Ensure their incision site is clean and monitor for any signs of infection. Provide a calm and relaxing environment with the help of calming aids if necessary.

Key insights

Limit your dog's physical activity and avoid activities that can cause stitches to tear.

Have essential items like a leash, cone or donut, crate, and Adaptil on hand for post-surgery care.

Counter condition your dog to wearing a cone or donut before their surgery to minimize discomfort.

Engage your dog in mental exercises like canine enrichment activities and scent games.

Monitor your dog's incision site regularly and check for signs of infection.

Q&A

What activities should I avoid after my dog's spay or neuter surgery?

Avoid running, jumping, swimming, grooming, tug of war, and fetch games for your dog for about 10-14 days after surgery.

What essential items do I need for post-surgery care?

You will need a leash, cone or donut, crate, and Adaptil for calming your dog.

How can I counter condition my dog to wearing a cone or donut?

Show your dog the cone or donut and deliver treats, gradually increase exposure and duration to create a positive association.

What mental exercises can I do with my dog during their recovery?

Engage your dog in canine enrichment activities, scent games, and training games like the touch and target game.

How can I monitor my dog's incision site for signs of infection?

Regularly check the site for pus, oozing, inflammation, continuous bleeding, or any other signs of infection. Consult your vet immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.

Timestamped Summary

01:01After spay or neuter surgery, restrict your dog's physical activities and prevent them from jumping on furniture or tearing out stitches.

02:19Essential items for post-surgery care include a leash, cone or donut to prevent licking, a crate for downtime, and Adaptil for calming.

04:27Counter condition your dog to wearing a cone or donut before surgery to make them more comfortable with it.

09:14Engage your dog in mental exercises like canine enrichment activities and scent games to drain pent-up energy.

13:32Monitor your dog's incision site regularly for signs of infection, such as puss, inflammation, or continuous bleeding.