4 Tips For Caring For Your Dog After He Is Neutered

Neutering is a common veterinary surgery where a male dog's testicles are removed. While neutering is a very simple surgery that is performed in animal hospitals on a regular basis, as a dog owner you will need to know how to care for your pet and what to expect when you take him home. If your male dog has an appointment to be neutered in the near future, use the following information:

Lethargy 

Neutering is done under general anesthesia, so when you pick your dog up from the animal hospital he may be lethargic and unable to walk steadily. It is normal for your dog to be lethargic and tired for the rest of the day as the anesthesia wears off. The best thing you can do is allow your dog to sleep and rest-- avoid trying to engage him in play time or physical activities.

Feeding

In most cases, it is okay to feed your dog on the evening that he comes home. But be aware that anesthesia can make a dog feel nauseous, so don't be alarmed if your dog refuses to eat the evening after surgery. It is fine to offer his normal dog food, or consider feeding him bland food such as boiled boneless skinless chicken and rice.

Incision Care

As a dog owner, it is important for you to examine your dog's incision site on a regular basis. If you notice that the incision is red, swollen, or has pus or blood seeping out of it, immediately call the animal hospital. These are typically symptoms of an infection, and your dog will need prompt veterinary care. While the incision site is healing, avoid bathing your dog or allowing him to swim. If the incision site gets dirty, gently clean it by spraying it with a saline solution, or use a clean cloth soaked in warm salt water to wipe the area..

Licking and Chewing

While your dog heals from being neutered, it is very important that he does not lick or chew around the incision site. Licking and chewing can slow down healing, cause infection, and may even result in sutures being pulled out. Watch your dog carefully after surgery to see if he is trying to lick or chew around the incision site-- if he does, you may need to visit a pet supply store to purchase a cone collar for him to wear until the incision is fully healed.