If you are a dog parent, you must have considered spaying or neutering your dog before its first heat. There are several medical reasons to consider this, one of the most prominent reasons being breast tumors and uterine infections that can be fatal to your pet.
Testicular problems and prostate cancer can be prevented through this process of spaying. However, there are a couple of things that you must know, before spraying your dog. Here is a comprehensive list for guiding you through the process.
What is the actual cost involved in spaying your dog?
Spaying is the surgical procedure that is used to remove the ovaries and the uterus of the female dog. This process is known as an ovariohysterectomy. The cost of sterilizing your dog can depend on several factors. Foremost, there is no standardized cost of spaying across the states. Hence, your geographical location is very pertinent to this question.
If your residence has a local animal shelter then you can expect a lower price for your spaying. Moreover, this is a serious surgical method, and the size and breed of your dog matters in this.
Any pre-existing health issues can impact the difficulty of the surgery, surging the price up. The actual cost of spaying a dog is also dependent on your vet and the precautions and care that need to be taken. The pain management options and the after is often felt out from this budgeting. However, most of the vets ensure that this is included in their costs.
Do all dogs heal at the same pace?
It might come across as a surprise, but dogs do not react in the same manner or recover at the same pace, from the spaying. The doctor is likely to predict their recovery between 10 to 14 days, but that can be away faster or considerably slower. Hence, one should consult their vet and not panic about the delayed recovery.
Their reaction to the surgery might include a loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, inflammation, or fleeing at the incision site and breathing problems. You must consult your vet immediately at the sight of any such symptoms. Further, pale gums might denote anemia or internal bleeding, which requires immediate attention.
What are the important things to be considered before the surgery?
The post-surgery routine will include minimizing their physical activities to ensure that there is a minimum probability of internal damage of bleeding. This will require some prior practice and training. It is safe to confine them within a crate when you are not around, to be accustomed to that setup, before the surgery. This will prevent any complications of introducing them to a new routine, just after their surgery.
You must additionally pet-proof your house before the surgery, to ensure that they do not jump off high furniture. This added precaution will definitely pay off during post-surgery care. The dietary restriction for your dog should be discussed with your vet before the surgery.
It is your responsibility to calm your dog and remain calm on the day of the surgery, to reduce the chances of any complications. Make sure to get them a comfortable dog bed too!
3. How to take care of your canine after the surgery?
The post-surgery care routine is vital for your dog. You are expected to be prepared with pain medications. Just like humans, they will experience pain and be administered pain medications. The additional factor of your love towards your dog will be their pain, a very difficult process to endure. Your emotional stability is of utmost importance to your canine family member.
It is advisable to list out all the possible medications and any possible complications with your vet, before your plunge into this surgery. There are instances when the pain can act as an effective method to reduce activity. Your vet should be able to take you through this process. The Elizabethan cone is often used to prevent the dog from constantly licking its incision, in an effort to ease the pain.
You can consider certain softer available options that are not made out of hard, low-quality plastics. It is likely that your vet will get you the dressing for the surgical site, however, you must be very vigilant and notice any changes at the site, promptly. Above all, your dog will need your time and presence to get through this major surgery.
Conclusion
Spaying is an important surgery to avoid medical complications and excessive births. The above article has articulated all the essential tips that can be very useful, to endure this process.