Can I leave my dog alone after surgery?
The vets and nurses will check your dog before discharging them to ensure they are happy and safe to receive home care. We recommend they are closely observed during the first 12 hours after surgery. It is not necessary to stay up, or sleep next to your pet and you can leave your dog alone after surgery for short periods as long as they aren’t likely to lick their stitches. In fact, many dogs will appreciate some quiet time and the opportunity to sleep after the anaesthetic. Care should be taken to ensure that your dog does not lick or chew its wounds – many surgeries are now done with absorbable sutures that sit beneath the skin and are less irritating. If your dog starts to lick or chew the wound please contact the surgery for advice and to obtain a buster collar. If you notice any discharge or swelling to a wound, or your dog becomes uncomfortable you should contact the surgery for advice.
It’s best to follow your vet’s advice on how to feed your dog after surgery as they may recommend a specific post-surgery diet. Although in many cases it is fine to feed the dog their normal food, it is recommended to feed smaller meals more often for 24 hours post anaesthetic.
Exercising your dog after surgery will depend on the type of surgery they’ve had. Recovery from a spay or neuter can be quicker than if your dog has received orthopaedic treatment. Generally speaking, you should keep them rested for a few days after surgery, making sure they don’t make any extended movements like jumping onto a sofa, up the stairs, into the car, or onto the bed (if they’re allowed!). Off lead exercise usually needs to be avoided until the dog’s wounds have fully healed.
Some dogs may be naturally energetic in their nature, which needs to be carefully managed to ensure that it does not impede their rate of recovery. If you’re having trouble keeping your dog still you may have to restrict them by using a crate to ensure they do not overdo themselves and cause injury. It’s not ideal and can be a bit unmoving to have to do this, but it’s the best way to prevent them from hurting themselves further and to ensure they’re on the right path to a successful recovery. Please always discuss with your vet what is the best way to ensure your dog gets the controlled recovery it needs.
Caring for your dog when they arrive home
Once home, you may find that your dog doesn’t seem quite themselves after surgery. Although with modern anaesthetics pets normally recover very quickly, they may seem a bit disorientated and even a little unsure of where they are. More than anything, your dog will likely want to sleep and relax in their comfort zone. Even if your dog is a little disorientated they should always be bright and responsive to you, while being able to settle and get comfortable. If this is not the case then you should always give your local vet a call to discuss.
How long should I stay with my dog after neutering?
After your dog or cat has had surgery (no matter how old or young they are) you MUST keep them restricted for fourteen days.
How To Care For Dogs After Spay Neuter
You do not want to leave your dog alone within the first 12-24 hours after neutering. Although it’s a typical procedure, you still want to keep a close eye on your dog and look for signs of infection such as vomiting and disorientation. After the first 24 hours, you can leave your dog alone for short periods of time.