Sterilizing a dog is the key to health and a fulfilling life. How to sterilize a dog and is it necessary to do it?

In veterinary medicine, the topic of restricting reproductive functions in dogs is divided into two narrower concepts - castration and sterilization. The meaning of these procedures is interpreted differently. According to one version, castration is the removal of all the reproductive organs of an animal, and sterilization only involves the suspension of their activity.

According to another version, castration is considered to be a procedure intended exclusively for male dogs, and sterilization is an operation to remove all organs of the reproductive system in female dogs. To avoid confusion, it is easier to use the term “sterilization” to refer to procedures for dogs of any gender.

“When can a dog be spayed, at what age will the operation be least traumatic for the pet?” - this is the first question on the topic of sterilization that caring pet owners ask their veterinarians. Among dog lovers, there are different versions, both about the need for the operation itself as a whole, and about the timing of its implementation. Should I wait until the dog reaches puberty or is fully mature?

When is the right time for sterilization?

The main parameter should always be considered potential anesthetic and surgical risks. On this issue, veterinarians have a unanimous opinion: the animal must be in good health and be properly prepared for the operation, and the age criterion is secondary. Naturally, dogs aged 7 years or more have an increased risk of complications, so doctors do not practice preventive surgery at this age. In addition, it is not advisable to subject an aging body to such serious stress as anesthesia, not to mention rehabilitation and recovery.

Some doctors advocate sterilizing an animal that is too young, not even six months old. Such a step can be considered too risky, because the removal of organs responsible for the production of basic hormones will inevitably lead to a number of negative consequences, including the development of chronic diseases or slower growth of the body. Moreover, it is more difficult to select the required dose of anesthesia. Often the doctor is unable to completely remove all the “extra” organs, which will lead to the need for repeated surgical intervention in adulthood.

Also, there is a practice of mandatory sterilization of females who have reached the age of 8 years, who have not given birth at all, who have given birth once or repeatedly. When this age threshold is reached, the likelihood of developing cancer increases significantly, and sterilization can significantly reduce the risks without waiting for problems to arise.

It is better to sterilize dogs not intended for breeding a few weeks before their first heat. Carrying out the procedure within this time frame significantly reduces the risk of breast tumors and hormonal imbalances. Medical practice shows that the optimal period is from 6 months to 1.5 years, depending on the size of the dog and its breed. You can make sure that the moment for surgery is right by doing tests to determine the level of hormones in the blood.

Sterilization can be carried out for medical reasons at any age, in case of detection of hormonal imbalance or other problems of this kind. In emergency cases, the procedure can be performed both during the dog’s pregnancy and during estrus. Such options cause greater damage to the health of the animal, due to increased blood loss and too strong hormonal changes.

With males the situation is much simpler. It is important not to castrate your pet too early to prevent serious deviations in its development. Otherwise, the timing for the procedure is quite flexible:

  • sterilization of the animal can be done at an early stage, immediately after puberty, in small breeds upon reaching 7 months of age, in large and giant breeds - after 1.5 years of age;
  • The operation is not much more dangerous in adulthood, not exceeding 7 years.

Benefits of sterilizing dogs

Neutered male dogs become much more convenient to keep in an apartment or house, as their tendency to wander or run away in search of a partner for mating is reduced. Also, most male dogs stop leaving “marks” on any territory, including inside the home, and stop demonstrating their dominance on family members. The benefits for the health of the animal are also undeniable, because if there are no testes, then malignant tumors cannot develop on them. This is of particular importance for cryptorchid males. Moreover, timely surgery reduces the likelihood of a dog developing prostatitis.

For owners of bitches, keeping a pet is significantly easier due to the absence of estrus. You can no longer be afraid of accidental matings and let your dog run without a leash any day; you no longer have to fight off packs of “suitors” on the streets, accompanying the owner with the dog in heat to the very entrance. A sterilized dog will not experience sudden behavioral changes associated with hormonal changes; owners will be able to completely forget about “false” pregnancies and not worry about infection of the uterus (pyometra). And if the operation was performed before the first heat, then the likelihood of developing mammary tumors is reduced to 1%.

Dog handlers claim that sterilized dogs, regardless of their gender, behave much calmer and are more concentrated in their work. We can say for sure that the animal’s behavior will definitely not worsen after the operation. In the dog breeding community, there are myths about dogs losing interest in life and the world around them, about special laziness and uncontrolled weight gain in sterilized pets. This is completely untrue, because a cheerful dog will not become gloomy, and a playful and active dog will not become a couch potato.

Many people consider sterilization to be inhumane, a violation of the laws of nature, abuse of animals, etc. But mostly people who do not have it think so. Owners, as a rule, are aware of all the health problems of these animals and the difficulties with raising and distributing their offspring. Therefore, before you form your opinion about this procedure, you need to find out: what it is, how it happens and in what way dogs are sterilized, what are the real consequences of the operation.

Characteristics and purpose

Sterilization is a type of surgical intervention that is used to deprive a dog of the ability to reproduce.

Dog owners decide to sterilize their pet for the following reasons:

  • the presence of a disease of the reproductive system;
  • unwanted offspring;
  • reducing the risk of breast tumors.

Did you know? There is a type of sterilization called laparoscopy. This is the safest operation, after which the animal recovers very quickly.

Dog sterilization

Before deciding whether to undergo sterilization, carefully study all the pros and cons of the operation.

Behind

  1. Increase in life expectancy by an average of 2 years.
  2. The animal marks its territory less often.
  3. Getting rid of hormonal problems.
  4. Reducing the risk of subsequent diseases such as sarcoma, ovarian cyst, pyometra, etc.
  5. Lack of desire and attempts to have offspring.

Against

  1. The risk of errors on the part of the doctor during the operation and serious consequences after them (infection, bleeding, hernia, suture ruptures, etc.).
  2. Weight gain due to changes in metabolism after sterilization.
  3. Urinary incontinence for 3-7 years after the procedure, which threatens the occurrence of diseases of the genitourinary system.
  4. General anesthesia also has a negative effect on your pet's body.

When can a dog be spayed?

But you can also hear other recommendations regarding the period of the procedure for your pet.

Some experts advise performing surgery on an animal at the age of 8-10 months. That is, in their opinion, it is better to sterilize a dog when the first heat has already passed. In any case, sterilization should not be done before 4 months of age.

Important! Do not sterilize pets over 6 years old. Old bitches do not tolerate general anesthesia well.

How does the procedure work?

Immediately before the procedure, a little preparation will be required.

Preparation

To carry out sterilization you will need:

  • proper lighting;
  • a table for placing an animal on it;
  • bedding for pet comfort;
  • container for surgical waste.
The availability of sterile instruments is ensured by the veterinarian performing the surgery.

As for your pet, you must first undergo an examination, an electrocardiogram and tests.

Before surgery, it is recommended to follow an 8-hour fasting diet, and it is not recommended to give water for the last 2 hours.

Next comes the stage of premedication - the introduction of drugs that help maintain the body during the procedure.
These manipulations minimize the effects of general anesthesia. Next, anesthesia is introduced into the dog’s body, and the doctor begins the operation.

Carrying out the operation

The duration of sterilization is 30-60 minutes. In male dogs, the testes are removed in the most convenient way for the doctor. Females undergo abdominal surgery, opening access to the abdominal cavity.

Thus, the ovaries are removed either with or without the uterus.

Post-operative care for your pet

After sterilization, like any other operation, dogs need special care. It will take some time for your pet to recover from anesthesia.

To keep him safe during this time, move the animal's bedding to the floor.

After the dog comes to its senses, wet its nose and tongue with water, but it is still not recommended to drink a lot.
The pet can only be given the next day, and then in a mild form. It can be minced meat or pate. The sutures are treated with antiseptics for another 10 days.

Important! Protect seams from getting wet.

To prevent the animal from chewing them on its own, use a collar or blanket. Part of postoperative care includes a course of antibiotic therapy. The dosage and duration are determined by the veterinarian.

Possible complications

  • Weight gain, obesity due to altered metabolism and unbalanced metabolism.
  • Chronic urinary incontinence.
  • Tears, inflammation of sutures.
  • Infectious diseases.
  • Internal bleeding.
  • Hernia.

Will the dog change after surgery?

The animal remains virtually unchanged after sterilization. Changes do occur, but it is impossible to determine what is causing them. A pet's personality may change as it gets older.
Although the myth that the dog becomes calmer and more submissive also exists.

The only confirmed fact is about dominance. Bitches already try to dominate males, but after sterilization this desire becomes stronger, which is reflected in their behavior.

Is it possible to carry out the procedure at home?

According to some dog owners, there are circumstances when it is possible to sterilize your pet at home. And indeed it is. In order not to create unnecessary stress for the animal, experienced surgeons often perform operations at home.

But it is safer for your pet to have sterilization done in a clinic.

Did you know? Neutered dogs are not unhappy at all. They do not have dreams of motherhood, like people do, so the pet will not be sad about the loss of reproductive function.

Sterilization has its pros and cons. The decision about whether to do it is made not only by the pet owner himself, but also by the veterinarian. After the pet has successfully completed the examinations, it is prepared for surgery.
If you choose a highly qualified surgeon, then you won’t have to worry about your dog.

Dog owners who do not plan to breed sooner or later think about sterilizing their dogs. Some doctors believe that surgery is indicated for most animals, while others warn against possible complications. The choice is up to the owner. Before deciding to have surgery, you need to learn as much as possible about it, weigh the pros and cons, and consult with specialists.

Sterilization is a surgical method of depriving a female dog of reproductive function. Under anesthesia, the dogs' ovaries and uterus are removed, the production of hormones stops, and the dog loses not only the ability to become pregnant, but also sexual desire. The animal becomes calmer, more cooperative, and balanced.

Surgery is necessary for severe illnesses, the indications for which are:

  • repeated false pregnancies;
  • pyometra;
  • ovarian cysts;
  • breast tumors.

Removal of reproductive organs is necessary to humanely reduce the stray dog ​​population.

Important. All animals in shelters, as well as many purebred pet-class females not intended for breeding, undergo surgery. Some kennel owners sell purebred puppies from the pet category only after sterilization.

Myths about dog sterilization and their refutations

There are many myths that it is better not to sterilize a dog.

For experienced dog handlers, the question of the advisability of sterilization is decided on a case-by-case basis. The health of the animal, its exhibition career, the quality of possible offspring, breed and many other nuances are taken into account. For pet owners, things are not so clear cut. Often owners are guided not by common sense, but by a set of myths.

Myth 1. Surgery is not necessary; if necessary, pregnancy can be terminated with medication.

Abortion pills are very harmful to your dog's health. The same applies to drugs that can delay estrus. This measure is used in special cases, for example, before an exhibition. It is impossible to use “contraceptive” pills often; they cause purulent inflammation of the uterus or ovarian tumors.

Myth 2. A dog must know the joy of love.

Do not humanize pets. A set of hormones that have nothing to do with feelings are responsible for the reproductive instinct. After the operation, the genitals of animals stop hormonal releases.

Myth 3. An animal must give birth at least once to be healthy.

A myth that resulted in hundreds of unwanted puppies. If you plan to sterilize your animal, there is no need to wait until the first mating.

Myth 4. After sterilization, young dogs stop growing.

The genitals do not produce growth hormones; the thyroid gland is responsible for them. In normal health, the operation does not affect the dog’s development, height, weight or coat condition.

Myth 5. Sterilization has a detrimental effect on health, the animal becomes apathetic, moves little and quickly gets fat.

Appetite depends more on the breed and other individual characteristics. It is important to monitor portion sizes, not overuse treats, and give your pet long walks.


A popular myth is that after sterilization, dogs begin to gain weight.

Myth 6. The dog may die during the operation.

Like other abdominal operations, sterilization is fraught with complications. In rare cases, there is an individual reaction to anesthesia that can be fatal. However, this risk is minimal. The number of animals that died during surgery or due to complications after it is quite comparable to the number of dogs that died during childbirth.

Pros and cons of sterilization

Like any serious intervention, sterilization has positive and negative sides. Before deciding to have surgery, it is important to weigh the pros and cons. A consultation with a veterinarian will help you make the right decision.


Sterilization has both its pros and cons, and you need to know about this before the operation.

The advantages of sterilizing dogs include:

  • the risk of malignant tumors in the uterus and ovaries is reduced;
  • the risk of breast tumors completely disappears;
  • the dog will not get sexually transmitted infections;
  • The character of the animal improves, the dog becomes less aggressive.

The disadvantages of sterilizing dogs include:

  • with surgery at an early age, the risk of osteosarcoma and hyperthyroidism increases;
  • the risk of urinary tract diseases increases;
  • Possible adverse reactions to vaccines;
  • up to 20% of female dogs experience problems with urinary incontinence.

It is worth considering the exhibition career of purebred animals. After sterilization, the dog will not be able to participate in the election of the best representative of the breed, but at some exhibitions such animals perform in the “bitch with sexual changes” class.

Puppy or adult dog: at what age is it better to have surgery and what is the cost of sterilization

Most veterinarians are confident that sterilization is best done before 2.5 years of age. Some experts insist on an earlier age - from 9 months to 1 year. The choice depends on the breed. It is better to operate on large dogs after 1 year, otherwise the risk of bone sarcoma increases, which is practically untreatable.

Adult and elderly dogs are operated on after a detailed examination and consultation with a doctor. The cause may be benign or malignant tumors, complications after childbirth and other factors.


It is best to sterilize dogs between the ages of 1 and 2.5 years.

The price of the service depends on the region, the status of the clinic, the size of the animal and its condition. It is cheapest to operate on small dogs (from 2000 rubles). The cost of surgery for large sick animals starts from 3,000 rubles. It is advisable to carry out the procedure in a clinic; it requires special conditions, precisely dosed anesthesia. It is more difficult to cope with complications at home.

Features of postoperative dog care

The operation lasts about 1 hour and is done under general anesthesia. For small breed dogs, laparoscopic sterilization is often used; large dogs undergo classical surgery using a scalpel. After the procedure, the dog is allowed to recover, after which the owner can take it home.

Important. If the operation was performed for medical reasons (pyometra, inflammation of the ovaries), the animal will be offered to remain in the hospital for observation. The first day is the most difficult time, during which the dog needs special care.

Immediately after the operation, the pet is put on a special fabric bandage that completely covers the stitches. It protects vulnerable areas from accidental damage and prevents the animal from licking wounds. The seam is sealed with adhesive tape. On the day after surgery, it is better not to feed the dog; water can be given without restrictions. The animal will not be able to go for walks; its bed must be covered with waterproof diapers.


On the first day of the operation, the dog is not fed; only water can be given.

On the second day, the dog can be fed semi-liquid or canned food and taken for a walk. It is important to protect the seam from moisture and dirt; in bad weather, the dog should walk in waterproof overalls. After 10 days, the animal’s sutures are removed independently or with the help of a veterinarian.

Properly carried out sterilization does not affect the future life of the animal. The sutures heal quickly and do not cause any discomfort to the dog. It is important to follow a proper diet, reducing the amount of carbohydrates and increasing the protein content in the feed. The best option is premium and super premium industrial food, designed specifically for sterilized animals. They contain calcium, which prevents age-related changes in bones, iron, magnesium and other valuable microelements. It is useful to alternate dry and wet food, enriching the diet with special treats. Such food is balanced and does not require additional vitamin supplements.

Sterilization of dogs is not just a surgical operation that deprives a pet of reproductive function, but also a serious step for every animal owner, forcing one to think hard about whether it is worth it or not. On the one hand, this is a great way to save yourself from many problems, but on the other hand, sterilization is definitely a surgical intervention in the body and nature of the animal. What to choose? It's worth considering the pros and cons.

As you know, some pet owners resort to this procedure for one reason or another. What could push them to do this?

Sterilization is carried out on dogs of both sexes to avoid the appearance of unnecessary and sometimes uncontrollable offspring. And the operation has its own undeniable advantages. Pros of dog sterilization:

  • The owners of the bitch will be able to freely, without possible attacks from surrounding males and their gatherings around their female friend in heat. This will protect both humans and animals.
  • Neutered male dogs normalize their psyche; they stop running after every “bride,” exposing themselves to the danger of getting lost, being stolen, or getting hit by a car. The same can be said about females.
  • After sterilization, dogs lose aggression towards people and other animals, as well as the desire to mark territory, and then, because of it, sort things out with “rivals”.
  • A female that has brought offspring several times will maintain her health, and the operation will be an excellent prevention of possible diseases of the reproductive organs (ovarian tumors, etc.).
  • A dog’s life will become longer by a couple of years (it’s still worth taking into account that one human year is more than seven human years).
  • Sterilization will protect the animal from sexually transmitted diseases, of which there are a huge number in dogs.
  • Pets lacking sexual instincts are more loyal and easier to train.
  • Sterilization will protect against problems with unplanned offspring.
  • This is the most humane way to reduce the number of mongrels, who often become homeless due to human fault.

As you can see, sterilization has a lot of positive advantages not only for owners, but also for the pets themselves. But the coin also has a flip side. What dangers might this operation pose?

Read the article:

Arguments against sterilization

When deciding on an operation, caring owners should also be aware of possible pitfalls. The disadvantages of sterilizing dogs include the following factors:

  • This is a surgical operation and, despite all the predictability, everything may not end so well; most often this is due to the low qualifications of the veterinarian and the clinic; without the proper experience, the doctor can make an irreparable mistake, for which the animal can pay not only with health, but also with life.
  • For various reasons, complications may occur - bleeding, infection in the wound, development of inflammatory processes, suture ruptures.
  • A sterilized animal, due to changes in metabolism, in most cases, is prone to gaining excess weight and obesity.
  • In the period from three to seven years after sterilization, urinary incontinence may develop. And this, in turn, becomes the cause of chronic pathologies of the urinary system.
  • The anesthesia used during surgery can have a negative effect on the dog's body.

Taking into account all the pros and cons of sterilization, it is worth turning to statistical data - deaths during the operation are extremely rare, and cases of the development of various diseases of the genitourinary system are quite common.

Optimal age for sterilization

A very important question that responsible pet owners ask: “At what age should a dog be spayed?” Surgeons have only one answer - the animal must, first of all, be healthy, and how old it is, two or six, does not play a special role. However, there are a lot of nuances in this issue.

For example, dogs older than seven years are more difficult to endure any operations, it is more difficult to recover from anesthesia, and the rehabilitation period lasts longer, since the aging body recovers more slowly.

However, many experienced veterinarians agree that all adult dogs who have reached the age of eight must undergo sterilization, regardless of whether they have given birth often, 1-2 times in their entire lives, or not at all. In mature animals, the risk of developing cancer increases significantly, and this operation is an excellent way to avoid terrible diseases.

It is believed that if the plans are to breed the breed, then the last birth of the bitch should take place at the age of six, and then she should be sterilized without waiting for her body to age.

Quite often you can hear different opinions about early sterilization, which is carried out before six months. In fact, such sterilization is fraught with serious consequences, which often lead to significant developmental delays and the manifestation of chronic diseases. In addition, there are certain difficulties in calculating the appropriate dosage of anesthetic drugs and removing organs that are not fully formed. Sometimes the microscopic part of the ovary that was not removed may recover, in which case another operation will be required.

If breeding is not in the plans, then the most suitable period for sterilization is two to three weeks before the first heat. Carrying out surgery at this time will significantly reduce the risks of breast tumors and disruptions in the hormonal system.

In most cases, the age of the animal is from 6 months to 1.5 years. It all depends on several factors:

  • breeds (small females, as a rule, begin to heat earlier);
  • characteristics of the body (if the mother dog was in heat for a year, then, most likely, the daughter will be the same).

To make sure that the time has come for the operation, it is necessary to take tests to identify hormonal levels and consult with the breeder about the characteristics and hereditary predispositions of the pet.

In case of hormonal imbalance, abnormally long, heavy estrus, the bitch is subjected to sterilization, purely based on medical indicators. In this case, the facts of the presence or absence of childbirth are not taken into account.

Often dog owners resort to sterilization as a way to get rid of an existing pregnancy. But veterinarians warn against such operations. It is much safer for an animal to carry offspring, give birth and feed them, than to undergo surgery at this time. During the period of bearing puppies, the bitch's uterus significantly enlarges, which leads to greater blood loss during sterilization and a longer recovery process.

If you neglected to take care of your pet, then you should let the bitch fulfill her maternal duty and 30-35 days after giving birth you can already perform the operation. At this time, there is no need to postpone the procedure, but carry it out in a timely manner.

However, there are options when sterilization is forced. For example, if a dog has an illness that does not allow him to bear puppies and endure the birth process. In this case, the operation must be performed immediately, and the sooner it is done, the better.

Performing the operation and post-operative care

The operation is performed by a surgeon using general anesthesia and lasts about an hour on average. At this time, male dogs have their testes removed.

With female dogs, everything is somewhat more complicated, since to remove the ovaries or ovaries with the uterus, access directly to the abdominal cavity is necessary. To do this, abdominal surgery is performed and organs are removed through an incision.

After sterilization, the dog is placed on. It is necessary to periodically moisten the tongue and nose with water and do not give the dog plenty of fluids.

You can offer your pet food only on the second day, giving preference to soft, crushed food. Pates and minced meat are perfect.

The seams will need to be treated with antiseptic agents for 10-14 days. To prevent your pet from getting wet or licking postoperative stitches, it is necessary to use special devices - collars, blankets.

Only the owner can decide whether to sterilize a dog or not. The main thing is not to harm your beloved pet.

Proper care of the dog after sterilization is very important, because it determines how quickly the pet will recover. Several important rules must be followed so that the animal does not experience complications.

First of all, it is important to know how a dog should behave on the first day after surgery. How long will it take her to recover from anesthesia? It depends on many factors. All animals tolerate this procedure differently. When the owner returns home with the dog, it will still be sleeping. It is important to provide her with peace during this time. The pet may freeze, so you need to cover it with a blanket or a thin blanket. Do not use a heating pad or leave your dog near a radiator, as this may cause bleeding. It is also important to avoid drafts.

You need to buy special absorbent diapers in advance, because the animal may wet itself while sleeping. To prevent your dog's paws from going numb, you need to carefully move it 2 times an hour. If the pet has already begun to come to its senses, it will change its position on its own. Reaction to stimuli is another sign that the dog will wake up soon. When a dog recovers from anesthesia after sterilization, it begins to twitch its paws and ears, hearing a clicking or knocking sound.

If the dog is still sleeping very soundly, care must be taken to ensure that when he wakes up, he does not experience pain in his throat and eyes. It is necessary to use special drops 2 times an hour that moisturize the mucous membranes. If the veterinarian applied the gel to her eyelids after spaying her dog, this procedure will not be necessary.

It is important to monitor your pet while sleeping. Heavy breathing, frequent uneven heartbeat, convulsions are signs that you need to urgently contact the veterinarian who performed the operation. Only periodic small tremors are considered normal. Only a doctor can accurately answer how long it will take for the dog to recover from anesthesia. It is important to properly care for the animal during this period. He should be warm and comfortable.

Behavior

It is worth discussing separately how anesthesia can affect a dog's behavior. Sometimes after castration, recovering from anesthesia, the dog may not recognize the owner and members of his family. In such a situation, he will begin to show aggression, so it is better not to come close to him, but just watch from the side. If there are small children in the house, you need to warn them that they will not be allowed to touch the dog for a while.

What dog behavior after sterilization is considered normal? After recovering from anesthesia, the pet looks sleepy, moves slowly, and collapses. If you call him, he will either respond after a short pause, or will not pay attention to the owner’s voice at all. No need to worry about this. This behavior is considered normal. It is related only to the effect of the drug. It is important to protect your pet during this time so that it does not injure itself. It is necessary to remove any objects that he might accidentally knock over.

If the animal whines and is afraid, you should carefully calm it down - pet it or scratch it. But we cannot ignore the case when the pet whines from any movement. Sterilizing a dog affects its entire body as a whole. Particular attention should be paid to females. They may experience a lot of pain, so it is important to arrange so that the animal does not have to move a lot. You need to make a tray at home. If your dog loves to play, you need to choose the most relaxing activities for him.

Seam processing

Proper care after surgery is important for your pet's health. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the seam. There should be no wounds or discharge on it. It is worth noting that after sterilization, a dog may try to chew or scratch the seam. This cannot be allowed, so you should purchase special blankets in advance. They protect not only from mechanical damage, but also from bacteria, which can cause infection. Dogs that are trying to get rid of the blanket are put on a stiff high collar.

It is necessary to distract the pet. This way, he will not only stop trying to damage the suture, but will also more easily survive the consequences of the operation. In order for the rehabilitation to be successful and the suture not to become inflamed, you need to pay attention to hygiene. After the operation, you cannot bathe the dog for 3 weeks, so you need to take it outside in overalls. This way, both the animal’s fur and the seam will remain clean, which is strictly forbidden to get dirty or wet.

It is worth asking your veterinarian in detail about what kind of care your dog needs. He must indicate what kind of material was used during the operation. In some cases, it is necessary to visit the clinic to have the stitch removed. 2 weeks after the operation it can already be removed.

Nutrition after sterilization

When can you start feeding a neutered dog? She can go without food for up to 3 days without harm to her health. You should not try to force feed your pet. If he is still too weak, feeding will cause vomiting, which will only worsen the animal's condition. As soon as the dog can stand firmly on its paws, you can give it something to drink.

An owner who decides to sterilize his pet should know that the dog must adhere to a special diet for at least 1 week after the operation. Neutered dogs are fed a light diet. Soups and ready-made canned food are suitable. You can also give dry food, but you must first soak it in water. You need to monitor the amount of food consumed. After surgery, the dog should not strain during defecation: this may cause the suture to come apart. For this reason, it is very important to monitor the animal’s diet.

How long does recovery take? After castration, the pet returns to normal life after 2 weeks. His behavior becomes the same as it was before the operation. During rehabilitation, it is important to monitor the animal's condition and immediately contact a veterinarian if problems arise. It is very important to limit active games. For a dog that has recently undergone surgery, only quiet walks are suitable.



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