Preparing Your Pet for Surgery: Tips for a Smooth Spay/Neuter Procedure

Spaying or neutering your pet is an important preventive care procedure that will help your furry friend live a healthy, happy life. It's an essential part of puppy and kitten care. Follow these tips from our caring team at Pet-Agrees Wellness Services in Gordonsville for a smooth surgery and quick recovery so your pet can get back to summer fun.

Pre-Surgery Preparation

Leading up to the big day, ensure your pet gets plenty of exercise and keep meal portions normal. Limit food after midnight the night before surgery. Purchase a cone collar to prevent licking, biting, or scratching wounds post-surgery. Get comfy recovery essentials like a pet bed, toys, and chews to keep your pet relaxed. Administer any pre-operative medications as directed by your veterinarian. Have a clean, confined area ready at home to limit activity after the procedure.

What to Expect During Surgery

At our animal clinic, your pet will receive a pre-anesthetic sedative to ease anxiety before general anesthesia is administered. A breathing tube ensures safety throughout surgery. For spay procedures, the uterus and ovaries are removed through a small abdominal incision. For neuters, both testicles are removed through one or two small scrotal incisions. No external stitches are required. During surgery, your pet will receive IV fluids and monitoring of heart rate, oxygen levels, and temperature. Our vet team takes every precaution to ensure excellent anesthetic safety.

Post-Op Wound Care and Recovery

Within the first 24 hours, limit food and water to help avoid vomiting. Introduce bland food in small portions over 2 to 3 days. Gradually return to a normal diet. Check the incision site twice daily. Some swelling and redness are normal initially. E-collars prevent disruptive licking that can open wounds. Call us if you notice discharge, significant swelling, or bite marks.

Confine dogs for 7 to 10 days and cats for 3 to 5 days to allow complete healing before resuming normal activity. Limit stairs, jumping, and rough play. Short, leashed walks are okay. We'll schedule a recheck appointment to examine incisions, remove sutures/staples if needed, and ensure your pet is healing properly.

Long-Term Benefits

Spaying eliminates female heat cycles and almost eliminates the risk of mammary tumors. Neutering prevents testicular cancer and reduces prostate issues in male pets. Sterilized pets tend to live longer, healthier lives. They are less likely to roam, mark territory, or exhibit other hormonal behaviors.

Contact Pet-Agrees Wellness Services in Gordonsville, TN

Contact Pet-Agrees Wellness Services in Gordonsville, TN today to learn more about spay or neuter pet surgery. Our veterinarian near you provides exceptional preventive and wellness care, so your pet enjoys a lifetime of good health.