How long for dog to recover from neuter

Your pet has had major surgery and will need to be well cared-for afterwards to help prevent complications. Following the instructions below will help ensure your pet has a safe and comfortable recovery.

Some animals are active after surgery, while others remain quiet for a while. Either way, it is very important that you limit your pet's movements during the 7 to 10 day recovery period, as strenuous activity, such as running, jumping or playing, could disrupt the healing process and even cause the incision to become swollen or open. To help keep your pet from being too active:

• Place your pet in an adequately sized carrier, kennel, crate or small room when you’re not able to supervise him/her. The animal must be able to stand up and turn around in the housing unit.
• If your pet is small, carry him/her up and down stairs.
• Walk your pet on a leash to allow him/her to urinate or defecate.
• Do not take your pet for long walks or allow him/her to play with other animals or people. Also, do not allow your pet to jump on or off furniture.

To limit your cat’s activity, as well as help them feel safe and comfortable, place them in a quiet, confined area such as a bathroom, laundry room or kitchen. This provides a safe hiding place for them, where you can easily monitor their recovery. Remember to provide fresh food and water and a clean litter box.

After surgery, your pet’s appetite should return gradually within 24 hours. Give your pet a half-size meal when you bring them home, and then feed them their normal evening meal. Puppies and kittens may have an additional meal through the day. Water should always be available.

Do not change your pet's diet at this time, and do not give them junk food, table scraps, milk or any other "people food." Changes in their diet could hide post-surgical complications. Although patients' reactions to surgery can vary, lethargy (lasting for more than 24 hours after surgery), diarrhea, or vomiting are NOT normal, and you should contact us immediately if these occur. We can then assess if your pet needs to be examined by a medical professional.

If your pet has an Elizabethan collar, do not remove it for feeding unless you are able to supervise them. If you do remove it for feeding, replace it immediately after your pet has finished eating.

Dogs and female cats have internal sutures that provide strength to the tissue as they heal; these will dissolve after approximately four months. Surgical glue has also been applied to the skin to seal the incision against bacterial penetration. Male cats do not have any sutures, and, unless you are told otherwise, your pet does not have external sutures. If you are told that your pet has skin sutures or skin staples, they will need to return in 10 days to have those removed.

Do not bathe your pet during the recovery period (10 days), or apply topical ointment to the incision site—the surgical glue on the incision will dissolve too quickly if it becomes wet. Pets must be kept indoors where they can stay clean, dry, and warm, although dogs can be walked on a leash to relieve themselves.

Prevent your pet from licking the incision site, which may cause infection, by distracting your pet with treats or by using an Elizabethan collar.

Female dogs and cats have a mid-line incision in their abdomen. Male dogs have an incision on the scrotum, and male cats have two incisions, one on each side of the scrotum. Check these incision sites at least twice daily. What you see when we discharge your pet is what we consider normal.

There should be no drainage, discharge or odor in females, and redness and swelling should be minimal. Male dogs may have small amounts of drainage or discharge for up to three days. Male cats may appear as if they still have testicles; this is normal, and the swelling should subside gradually through the recovery period. If there are any bumps or bruises present, they should decrease in size and appearance through the recovery period.

Do not allow your pet to lick or chew at the incision. Licking may cause the incision to become infected or open, which will likely require follow-up visits at a veterinary clinic at considerable cost. If your pet is licking, we recommend you contact us at (855) 434-9285 or [email protected] and arrange a time to return to our facility to pick up an Elizabethan collar, free of charge. This will prevent your pet from being able to reach the area. You can also purchase one of these collars at a veterinary clinic or pet store of your choice. If your pet is still able to lick the surgery site while wearing an Elizabethan collar, choose a larger collar or contact us at (855) 434-9285 for further assistance.

Our veterinarians employ a multi-modal pain management protocol; this means that different pain medications are administered before, during and after surgery. If your pet appears to be in pain after getting home, please call our clinic at the following:

During office hours: (855) 434-9285
After hours: (855) 434-9285

Our staff can assess whether or not your pet needs to be examined. Do not give human medication to your pet; it is dangerous and can be fatal.

Keep neutered males away from un-spayed females. Neutered males can get an un-spayed female pregnant for up to 30 days after spay/neuter surgery. Keep spayed females away from unneutered males for seven days. Animals returning from the clinic may also smell different to other animals in the household. This can cause the animals to fight, so be prepared to keep your pets in separate areas for a few days following surgery.

Spaying and neutering are both very safe surgeries; however, as with all surgery, complications can occur. Minimal redness and swelling of the surgery site should resolve within several days, but if they persist longer, please contact us. You should also contact us immediately if you notice any of the following:

• Pale gums
• Depression
• Unsteady gait
• Loss of appetite or decreased water intake
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Discharge or bleeding from the incision
• Difficulty urinating or defecating
• Labored breathing

ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance will treat any post-operative complications resulting directly from surgery. Depending on your location and the time of day, we may see your pet at our facility in Asheville or arrange for your pet to be seen at a consulting veterinary office closer to you. Please call (855) 434-9285 for an appointment as soon as you see cause for concern. We cannot be held responsible for complications resulting from failure to follow post-operative instructions, or from contagious diseases for which the animal was not previously properly vaccinated. Your regular veterinarian must address any illnesses or injuries that are not a direct result of surgery.

Always monitor your pet’s urine for blood; a small amount may be present in female animals during the first 24 hours after surgery. If this continues or occurs at other times, please call us or call your regular veterinarian, as your pet may have a bladder infection unrelated to surgery.

If you have any questions or concerns directly related to the surgery during the recovery period, please call us at the following:

During office hours: (855) 434-9285
After hours: (855) 434-9285

Prior to seeking any post-surgical veterinary care for your pet, you must make contact with us.

Watch the Video

Learn what you can do to ensure your pet has a quick and easy recovery after a spay or neuter operation.

Many pet owners ask their veterinarian, “how long will it take my male dog to recover from neutering?” While most procedures don’t last longer than an hour, the postoperative healing period requires more time.

Any compromise of your dog’s skin—from wounds and lacerations to surgical incisions—stimulates white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets to mobilize to the injury site so healing can take place. This calls for time, rest, and monitoring to ensure the body can complete the repair process, which generally takes about 10 to 14 days.

Caring for your dog during this recovery period leaves you with an important job. The following is everything you need to know about the healing process including what you can do to avoid complications after your dog’s neuter surgery.

Neuter Surgery Recovery Period: What To Expect

The day of surgery

Most dogs are discharged the same day as their surgery, barring any complications. When you pick up your pet, you can expect the surgery site to be fully shaved, with a small incision in front of the scrotum. The area will appear pink or mildly red and may bleed slightly. Depending on your veterinarian’s surgical technique, you may be able to see sutures or staples, but this is not always the case. Some clinicians prefer an intradermal closure in which absorbable suture is placed under the skin. 

Due to the anesthesia, your dog may be tired or appear drowsy in the 24 hours following surgery. Prepare a quiet, comfortable place for your pet to rest before bringing him home and close off areas that may be hazardous such as stairs. If your dog appears unusually sluggish or if you can’t rouse them easily, contact Penny Paws Animal Clinic or your closest veterinary emergency center for specific advice.

The first week

As early as 24 hours after surgery, the incision edges may begin to swell slightly, which is normal. You may notice a slight gap between the incision edges, but this should close quickly. There may be mild oozing from the incision or bruising on the surrounding skin. Toward the end of the first week, you should notice the incision edges coming together and healing. Scabs may begin forming around the sutures and over the surgery site—refrain from picking these. As the incision heals, it may become sore, itchy, or irritating, but pain medications prescribed by your veterinarian should alleviate this.

Some dogs will develop a firm, fluid-filled swelling under their incision known as a seroma. This condition arises when a dog is not allowed to rest or is overly active during their recovery period. If you find it difficult to keep your dog calm during this time, a mild sedative may be prescribed. Contact us to find out more.

The second week

Approximately 10 days after surgery, most incisions will have healed enough to allow for removal of external staples or sutures by your veterinarian. The incision edges should be fully sealed and swelling should be significantly decreased, if not gone completely. Contact Penny Paws Animal Clinic if redness, swelling, oozing, or bleeding persists or if you notice a gap between the incision edges as these findings are abnormal at this stage in recovery.

Succeeding weeks

Once your pup is fully healed and cleared by your veterinarian, he can slowly resume his normal routine, including a gradual increase in activity. Neuter surgery complications are uncommon during this stage, as most healing has taken place and most pain has subsided. However, if you continue to be concerned about your pet, don’t hesitate to contact our veterinary team.

 Postoperative Care Guidelines for Neuter Surgery

How long it takes a male dog to recover from neutering depends on the level of care you give him during the healing process. In the first few weeks following surgery, you will need to be more attentive to his needs just as you would any loved one undergoing major surgery.

By adhering to the tips below, you can help keep your furry companion comfortable, hasten the wound healing process, and reduce the risk of dangerous infections and other complications after surgery.

1. Limit activity

Most pets will naturally rest after surgery thanks to the sedative effects of anesthesia, but others regain normal activity very quickly. Regardless of your pet’s energy levels, you will need to limit their movements in the first two weeks after surgery. All strenuous activities like running, jumping, rolling, and playing can disrupt the wound healing process and even cause the incision to swell or dehisce (burst open).

You can prevent your pet from being too active by taking these precautions:

• Keep your dog inside a room, fenced area, kennel, crate, or other confined space where you can easily supervise them. Your dog should be able to stand up and move around the area comfortably.
• Avoid taking your dog on long walks or allowing them to play with other people or pets. Discourage jumping on and off furniture, too.
• Walk your dog outside on a leash for urination and defecation purposes only.

2. Check the incision site twice a day

It is important to look at your pet’s incision site daily to monitor for problems and to ensure healing is taking place. Drainage or discharge should be minimal and only last a few days. Any bruising or swelling should gradually decrease in size as the recovery period progresses.

If you notice excessive redness, bleeding, missing sutures, or gaps in the incision, contact Penny Paws Animal Clinic immediately. Foul discharge or odor is also a concerning sign, as it may indicate an infection. Early detection and treatment are key in preventing a serious complication.

3. Keep the incision clean and dry

While you want to ensure your dog’s incision remains clean, it’s also important for it to stay dry since moisture can create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Additionally, excess moisture may cause surgical glue to dissolve, which could compromise the incision. For these reasons, don’t bathe your pet during the 10 to 14 day recovery period unless instructed by your veterinarian.

Keeping your pup indoors—aside from necessary bathroom breaks—will help them stay clean and tidy.

4. Do not allow your pet to disturb the incision

As the incision heals, it may become itchy, causing your dog to attempt to chew, lick, or scratch at it. Disturbing the wound can cause it to open or become infected, which will require additional treatments and create more trauma for your pet. This is why constant supervision is important during the healing phase.

A few ways you can distract your dog and keep them from fixating on their incision site include:

• Food-dispensing toys. Some toys can dispense treats as your dog plays with them, which makes for rewarding play. Simply fill the toy with a few favorite treats and let your pet do the work.
• Dog puzzles. Dog puzzles of many shapes and sizes are readily available at most pet stores. If your pet has no prior experience with puzzles, stick to simple ones first before moving onto complex toys.
• The “which hand?” game. Grab some treats and have your dog sit or lie down. Let them watch you place a treat in one of your hands, close both hands in a fist, extend them out to your pet and ask, “Which hand?” If your pup touches or signals the right hand, give them the treat and praise them.
• The shell game. Hide a treat under one of three cups, turn them upside down, and shuffle them around. Like the “which hand” game, reward your dog with a treat for a correct guess.

Despite toys and other distractions, some dogs become fixated on licking or chewing their incisions. For this reason, we recommend placing an Elizabethan (cone) collar, a device that is placed around the dog’s neck to prevent them from reaching the incision site. Cone collars are not one-size-fits-all, so if your dog can still reach his incision, replace it with a larger model or contact us for assistance. The cone may be removed for eating, but should be replaced immediately after mealtime. Continue using the device until your veterinarian deems your pet fully healed.

5. Stick to your pet’s regular diet

Most dogs will regain their appetite within a day after surgery. Offer your dog a small meal—about half of their standard serving size—the evening of your pet’s surgery. You may resume regular feedings the next day, if your pet isn’t showing signs of gastrointestinal upset. Always keep plenty of fresh water readily available.

Avoid changing your dog’s diet during this period, and refrain from giving them table scraps or any other “people food” that might cause irritation or mimic postoperative complications. While every dog’s reaction to surgery is different, vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal signs are not normal, so contact us immediately if these signs occur.

6. Monitor your pet’s behavior

When you fetch your dog from the vet, you might notice slight differences in their behavior, such as grogginess or confusion. These are normal effects of general anesthesia that should dissipate over the next 24 hours.

Keep in mind that while neutering  alters the hormonal balance of your dog, it may or may not affect their behavior after surgery. Male dogs that are neutered later in life may have learned behaviors such as marking, aggression, or mounting that may persist despite neutering. If surgery is elected earlier in life, some of these behaviors may disappear, but this is never a guarantee. If you are concerned about your dog’s behavior, contact us for a consultation or for trainer recommendations.

7. Monitor your pet’s pain level

Pain control is an essential part of any surgery and recovery—and the same goes for neutering. Your veterinarian will utilize different types of pain medication before, during, and after your dog’s procedure, including drugs for at-home use. It is essential that you only administer medications approved by your veterinarian. Never give your dog ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin, unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian. If you believe your pet is still in pain after surgery despite using approved pain medications, contact our clinic for guidance.

8. Keep your dog away from unspayed female dogs

Did you know that neutered males can get unspayed females pregnant after their surgery? Residual sperm may stay active in your dog’s body for the first several days after surgery. Since your dog should be separated from other dogs during their recovery period anyway, this shouldn’t pose a problem. That being said, ensure no unspayed females are around your pet in the postoperative period to eliminate any potential temptation.

9. Watch for signs of complication

Neutering is considered a very safe procedure, but as with all forms of surgery, unforeseen complications can occur. Contact us if you notice any of these signs in your dog in the days following surgery:

• Heavy bleeding or discharge from the incision
• Excessive swelling at the incision
• Foul odor from the incision
• Missing sutures
• Fever
• Difficulty urinating or defecating
• Decreased appetite or water intake
• Depression
• Pale gums
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Incoordination
• Labored breathing

Schedule an Appointment at Penny Paws Animal Clinic Today

How long does it take a male dog to recover from neutering? With proper care, the healing process will take approximately two weeks. Most pet parents are surprised to find out how quickly their male dogs recover from this safe and effective procedure.

A smooth recovery process starts with a reliable veterinarian. If you are looking to schedule your dog’s neuter surgery, look no further than Penny Paws Animal Clinic. As animal lovers ourselves, we will go above and beyond to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

Contact us today to book an appointment!