Care of a newly neutered dog

Author: Peter Berry
Date Of Creation: 18 February 2021
Update Date: 18 May 2024
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How To Care For Dogs After Spay Neuter
Video: How To Care For Dogs After Spay Neuter

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After undergoing surgery, all dogs need basic care when returning home. In this article by PeritoAnimal we will focus on the care of a newly neutered or spayed dog.

If you would like to know the difference between neutering and neutering and the care that newly operated puppies require, read on!

What is castration?

castration consists in removing the gonads male (testicles) or female (ovaries and uterus, or simply the ovaries). The surgery in which the testicles are removed is called an "orchiectomy" or "orchidectomy". Removal of the ovaries is called an "ovariectomy" and, if the uterus is also removed, it is called an "ovariohysterectomy".


Is neutering the same as sterilizing?

We usually refer to castration and sterilization in an undifferentiated way, but they are not the same thing. Sterilizing implies leaving the animal unable to reproduce. For this, techniques such as those used in human medicine, called "tubal ligation" or "vasectomy" in males, could be used.

The gonads remain in the same place and, if these techniques are applied to the dogs, they continue producing hormones, maintaining the breeding instinct. This is the instinct we want to avoid, as well as the action of sex hormones which, after a while, cause many diseases in female dogs (breast tumors, uterus infections...) and male puppies (prostate hyperplasia). Furthermore, we want to avoid marking territory, aggressiveness or a tendency to run away.


Therefore, although we talk about the care of newly sterilized puppies and we use this definition as a synonym for neutered in the usual way, we must remember that they are not the same thing and what brings more benefits in this case is castration.

Castration of bitches - recovery

To remove the ovaries and uterus, it is necessary to access the abdominal cavity. That's why the little dog goes home with one or more incisions in the abdomen. Surgery can be performed:

  • by laparoscopy: we will see two small incisions above and below the navel, which you should watch over the days after the intervention. The veterinarian will indicate that you clean the incision daily with saline solution, until the stitches are removed. When a resorbable suture is used, there is no need to remove the stitches.
  • Conventional approach on the midline of the abdomen: You will notice a small incision a few centimeters below the navel. The size depends on the size of the bitch, if she has ever had heat, if she is fat or thin, etc.
  • flanking approach: You will notice incisions behind the ribs.

In any case, regardless of the technique, the veterinarian will ask you to prevent the bitch from accessing the stitches in the days following surgery. You may recommend using an Elizabethan necklace or a t-shirt to prevent her from licking that area. You will also prescribe some post-operative analgesics (such as meloxicam or carprofen) and, at the veterinarian's discretion, you may also prescribe an antibiotic for the following days.


Bitches should recover in a quiet, warm and comfortable place for a few days. You should review the incisions every day to confirm that there are no signs of inflammation or infection in the shingles. In this way, you are ensuring that you detect any anomaly resulting from the surgery in a timely manner. If it's a bitch that sleeps on the street, the vet will ask her to sleep inside your house for at least a week.

If the incision is very large, even while taking painkillers, the bitch may have difficulty defecating. For this reason, some veterinarians advise a moist diet and/or an oral lubricant such as olive oil in food. The veterinarian will definitely warn that you are very watch out for any adverse reactions to prescribed drugs (vomiting, diarrhea...). It will also ask you to avoid overly abrupt games, which involve jumping or running, for at least a week, because no matter how small the incision, there is always the risk of a hernia.

What males will chase her?

Be very careful the first few days. If the bitch was close to her next heat or in the days after it, she will continue to emit "female available" odors for some time and the males will keep getting closer. It is best to give a deadline of 7-10 days before joining it with the rest of the canine friends in the park or play areas.

Sometimes the special hormonal cycle of bitches makes them have a hard time. Milk may appear in her breasts after surgery and trigger maternal behavior, known as psychological pregnancy. The veterinarian will indicate what to do in both cases, as although they are infrequent, they can be very uncomfortable for the bitch.

Dog castration post-operative

In the case of males, the testicles are removed using a scrotal incision (skin bag that covers them). Some veterinarians choose to perform above the scrotum, although it's not such a popular technique. As a general rule, there is no need to access the abdominal cavity. You must provide a warm and peaceful environment for your dog to recover. You should restrict physical activity for a few days, as in the case of females.

As a rule, the veterinarian prescribes a post-surgical analgesic for a few days, such as meloxicam (usually for fewer days than in the case of females). You will also need to monitor the incision for a week. Oral antibiotics are not commonly prescribed, but it depends on a case-by-case basis. The stitches are usually removed after 7-9 days and if they are resorbable, they disappear after an approximate period of time.

In any of the dogs' sexes, it is necessary to watch out for signs such as vomiting and diarrhea. In the case of males, surgery is faster and usually has less post-surgery medication associated.

you should watch for bruises in the scrotum, by the pressure exerted on it to extract the testicles, as well as skin rashes or irritation in and around the scrotum (this skin is one of the most sensitive parts of the dog's body and it is necessary to shave to perform the surgery).

Do males need to wear an Elizabethan collar?

Of course, it is necessary for the dog to wear an Elizabethan collar in the days after surgery to prevent the dog from lick this area and tear off the suture stitches. The fur, at birth, causes a lot of itching and it is natural that the dog wants to lick this area at all costs area to relieve the uncomfortable feeling. Furthermore, when the stitches "dry out" they can peel off some skin, which is also very uncomfortable for them.

What to do if bruises or irritations appear?

Irritation creams, similar to those used in babies, can help if any irritation develops in the scrotum. However, they can never be applied over the stitches or close to the incision area. Some hematoma ointments contain compounds that prevent clots from forming and may be advised in cases where a scrotal hematoma occurs.

Does a neutered dog feel like mating after neutering?

In the days after surgery, male puppies remain fertile. Therefore, you must be very careful during the week following the operation and avoid areas with female dogs that are not neutered. It will take a few weeks for all the hormones to be cleared from the blood and it is not advisable for the puppy to be too agitated when sniffing a female in heat.

As always, each case is different. These basic cares that we suggest in PeritoAnimal can complement those that your trusted veterinarian recommends. never doubt in consult a specialist in any abnormal situation that happens after your puppy has been neutered.

This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis.We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.