Pet desexing is an everyday form of surgery, perfectly straightforward and comfortingly predictable. But it's still surgery, and for male dogs, it involves the surgical removal of the testicles. Female dogs can receive keyhole surgery to remove their ovaries or can have their ovaries and uterus removed via a small surgical incision in their abdomen. With your dog's desexing surgery fast approaching, you might be wondering—how can you best help your beloved dog during the recovery process?

Same-Day Discharge

The surgery itself might sound intensive. After all, your dog's sex organs are being removed. But the surgery is not especially complex, and it's likely that your dog will be discharged on the same day. Surgery scheduled for later in the day, or a dog that might require monitoring afterwards, may have to stay at the veterinary surgery overnight. In any case, your dog will be at home shortly following their operation.

Expect Grogginess

Your dog may be a little groggy when you collect them. This is perfectly normal and is because your dog has been gently and progressively woken up over the course of several hours following the surgery. The process is drawn out to prevent unnecessary discomfort, which also allows vet staff to make a number of standard postoperative checks to ensure that the surgery went as expected. The lingering effects of the anaesthesia will quickly wear off.

Specific Instructions

Before your dog is formally discharged, you will be given specific aftercare instructions. While the effects of the primary anaesthesia will be subsiding, you will need to dose your dog with the pain medication that will be provided. The dosage will gradually be reduced over the coming days as your dog recuperates. You will also be given feeding instructions pertaining to your dog's reduced appetite in the days immediately following their surgery. At this time, a follow-up appointment will be made for the removal of your dog's stitches, to take place approximately seven days after the surgery. 

Rest, Rest and More Rest

At home, your dog's recovery is largely self-regulating. While strenuous activity can hamper their recovery, your dog is unlikely to want to partake in much activity. While recuperating, they'll want to rest as much as possible. If your dog doesn't have a dedicated bed, this will be extremely helpful during recovery. It can be beneficial to place the bed somewhere in your home where you and your family are likely to spend time, such as in the kitchen or by the TV. This discourages your dog from getting out of bed to seek your company. They don't need to be confined to their bed but should be encouraged to get as much rest as possible.  

The thought of any surgery for your beloved dog can be a bit daunting, but when it comes to desexing, both the surgery and the recovery is generally uncomplicated. To learn more about pet desexing, contact a vetrinarian.