Neutering your dog is a responsible decision. As stressful as it can be, neutering does much more than lower the homeless dog population. Neutering your male dog also protects against reproductive cancers, lowers aggressive behavior, and helps him live longer.
Even still, you may feel nervous about neutering your dog. It requires anesthesia and surgery, and you might be asking, “How long should a male dog rest after being neutered?”
This guide answers questions like “what to expect after neutering a dog?” and “how long should a male dog rest after being neutered?” It also lists warning signs after dog neutering that you should consider.
It might take time, but your dog will heal after neutering.
The Neutering Procedure
The process for neutering a male dog depends on whether your dog’s testicles descend. Canine testicles start inside the abdomen, then reach the scrotum early in life. If both have dropped, the surgeon will make a small incision on the underside of the belly.
In this case, your vet may need to remove the stitches later on. If one or both of your dog’s testicles don’t descend, the surgeon will make an incision elsewhere. Your vet will tell you which option works best for your pet.
The Recovery Timeline
Are you asking yourself, “How long should a male dog rest after being neutered?” or “How long does it take a dog to fully recover from being neutered?” Do you know what to expect after neutering a dog? Here is the typical two-week timeline you should plan for:
Day One
You’ll begin day one by dropping your dog off in the morning. The procedure itself takes 15 to 20 minutes, but your dog will need six or seven hours at the vet in total to recover before coming home. Your vet will ensure your dog’s heart and vital organs are doing well under anesthesia.
The recovery process begins when your dog arrives home. Ensure that your dog keeps his cone (E-Collar) on at all times. First, feed your pet a medium-sized meal. It will help him heal and return to a regular schedule, especially after fasting. Leash walking to go out to potty is okay, but rough playing and exercising should be discouraged.
Sometimes, dogs act sleepy and tired after coming out of anesthesia. If that’s the case, that’s okay! Let him relax in a warm, safe environment with access to drinking water.
Your vet will shave your dog’s stomach before surgery, so you might be able to see an incision mark on his body. Keep an eye on the surgery area, watching for any redness or discharge.
Day 2
Your dog should be behaving more like himself on the second day. Follow a regular food and exercise routine, but limit other activities as much as possible. Separate your pooch from other household pets to prevent play, refrain from bathing for at least two weeks, and carry your pet up and down the stairs.
The Week After
After one week, your pet should be acting more normal. Observe the surgery site, watching for redness or discharge. Keep a cone on your dog at all times until advised by the veterinarian.
Two Weeks After
After ten to 14 days, the incision site should look healed. Afterward, your vet will remove any external sutures and check for other complications. At this point, your pooch is completely back to normal!
Recovery Tips
When asking, “How long should a male dog rest after being neutered?” you should also ask, “How do I take care of my dog after neutering?” Here are several tips to consider when helping your dog heal:
Monitor Changes in Appetite
Anesthesia and surgery can alter a dog’s appetite. Your dog might not want to eat the day they go home but should want to eat the next day. If your dog refuses to eat or eats more than usual, contact your vet as soon as possible.
Restrict Your Dog’s Activity
Your vet will provide specific instructions on how much rest your dog should get post-surgery. The usual suggestion is for light leash walks until the ten-day mark, with a gradual return to regular exercise afterward.
In addition, your dog should avoid contact with other animals for at least two weeks. Playing and interacting with other animals could damage the surgery site. If you own other pets, make sure they stay away from your dog while he recovers.
You should also refrain from giving your dog a bath for at least two weeks. Water can seep into the wound and may even loosen your dog’s stitches. If the surgery site needs cleaning, contact your vet.
Create a Private Space
Your dog may feel scared and anxious after his surgery. Anesthesia causes drowsiness and fatigue, which often lingers for hours following the surgery. Larger dogs may be even more tired due to larger doses.
Set aside a room or a crate for your pet where he can be safe. Ensure he knows you’re nearby if he needs you, and give him any prescriptions he needs.
Look Out for Warning Signs After Dog Neutering
If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet immediately, as they could indicate a problem:
- Discharge or swelling coming from the surgical site
- Opening of the surgical site
- Refusing food
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Pain
- Difficulty using the bathroom
- Pale gums
- Changes in breathing rate
- Sluggishness
Do Male Dogs Change After Being Neutered?
Many pet owners can’t help but wonder if their pets will change after being neutered. In almost all cases, your pet’s personality will remain the same; however, neutering affects hormone levels, which may make your pet slightly less aggressive. If you have a puppy, this alteration in hormone levels won’t affect their development or growth.
Neutering Experts in Texas
If you’re asking, “How long should a male dog rest after being neutered?” or “Should I get my dog neutered?”, our team at Penny Paws Animal Clinic can help.
We are passionate about helping our furry friends live long and healthy lives. Contact our Penny Paws Animal Clinic today to learn more about our services!