I just got my dog this past Thursday from the shelter and I'm getting her spayed tomorrow. I'm nervous because this is my first dog, so I'm not sure what to expect. I'm a graduate student and won't be able to stay home with her 24/7. She is housebroken, so I'm not worried about accidents. I am worried though about leaving her alone for so long after surgery,. Can I get some advice?
And no skipping school is not an option!
Answers:
The first night she will be tired and lethargic from the medication they gave her. She'll propably want to just lay around and sleep that first night, keep her warm, and well hydrated and in a smaller room with blankets for her to lay on. If she has a crate leave her in that while your gone. The incision might be tender but shouldn't bother her after a few days.
The recovery will be fine. You must have a friend come over who can feed it and let it out enough.
My vet keeps the dog overnight to monitor them after the surgery. I don't think this is necessary, but it is possible if it would make you feel better.
Usually, they give the dog pain medication, and she'll still be sleepy for at least the first day. After a few days, she be as good as new, though. You just have to be gentle with her because of her stitches. Make sure she doesn't chew them or try to pull them out. They'll tell you not to let her play too rough for a week or two, just to be safe. But generally, she'll just sleep a lot and rest.
After the operation your dog will need to go pee a lot. Forewarned.
Also you'll need a good crate with clean (washed daily) sheets. It will take awhile (~3 weeks to full health). If they offer laser instead of knife your dog will heal better and faster.
Are they going to keep her overnight? If so, there is not much you'll need to do when you bring her home. She'll just need to sleep off the meds she'll be receiving %26 she won't be very hungry but she'll be thirsty (again, the meds). Just don't expect her to be real active %26 keep her stitches dry. You'll notice a little redness %26 swelling but there should not be any drainage. You'll be surprised that it won't take her but 3 or 4 days to want to play %26 become her normal self.
If they do not keep her overnight, someone will need to be with her after you bring her home at least overnight. That way you'll know if she has alot of trouble dealing with the meds %26 any abnormal bleeding. She'll be drowsy %26 have trouble with balance so you'll need to really watch her when she goes outside to relieve herself.
And even though you may feel bad that she is uncomfortable for a couple days, she'll be so much healthier %26 you both won't have to worry about heat cycles %26 unwanted pregnancies. Congrats on your new addition.
If you will be away then you should confine her to one room or a small area just so she cannot run or jump. You usually need to restrict activities for 10-14 days. When you bring her home she may be a bit groggy from the anesthesia but you should be alright.
She should be ok, but if you can get a collar ask the vet if this might help since she will be alone. The only thing my minature schnauzer did was she wanted to lick the incision. She was a 9 month old.
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