Thank you for spaying/neutering your pet! Your dog or cat has undergone general anesthesia and surgical sterilization. For the safety and wellbeing of you and your animal, please read and follow these post-operative instructions:
- Your pet may be groggy and lethargic the first night and up to 24 hours after surgery. This is a normal side effect of the anesthesia and procedure. If your pet is still lethargic or hasn’t eaten after 24 hours, they may need to be seen by your veterinarian.
- Your pet must be kept indoors after surgery for seven days. This will enable you to carefully monitor their appetite, bathroom activity, and behavior. This can also prevent complications.
- To avoid an upset stomach from anesthesia, do not give them food or water during the first three hours after surgery. You may offer a small amount of food three hours after you return home. You can return to normal feeding tomorrow morning.
- If your pet has a prescription for pain medication, give them the first dose as directed on the medicine’s instructions.
- Restrict your animal’s activity for the next 14 days. Do not allow running or jumping. Dogs should only go out for potty walks on a leash. We realize this is difficult for young dogs, so now may be the perfect time to get a crate!
- Check the incision twice daily until healed (10-14 days). A firm lump under the incision is a normal reaction to the suture material. This may last a few weeks. If there is any drainage, bleeding, extreme redness or swelling, your pet will need a recheck with your veterinarian.
- A green tattoo has been applied to all dogs and cats, which identifies them as altered.
- If the incision should become dirty, gently clean the area with a cotton ball and water.
- The incision must not get wet for at least ten days after surgery. Bathing is prohibited for ten days after surgery. Swimming should be avoided for three weeks.
- Licking is the most common cause of post-operative problems, such as infection. If your pet licks the incision, they must wear an e-collar (cone). They can be purchased from a veterinarian or pet store. These must be worn when you cannot watch your pet.
- Do not give Aspirin or Tylenol to dogs or cats for pain.
If your pet received their spay/neuter surgery from Joybound:
- Follow up care needs to be provided by your own veterinarian, if needed. However, if you have a question you may contact us at (925) 296-3125, Option 0. Our team is available to help Monday – Friday, from 8 am – 5 pm. Please let us know if any complications do arise and are treated by your veterinarian.
