getting my two dogs neutered/spayed....need advice

[sinead]

hi

im getting my Jack Rusell, Sal whos 3 and German Sheperd, Jack whos 9months neutered on the 22nd December and i need advice on how i can care for them when they come home.

Sal lives with myself and Jack lives with my boyfriend.

if any1 can offer me adice it will be greatly appreciated.

thanks in advance

Sinéad

[tltrull]

Just try to keep them as calm as possible, its hard to stop them from running and jumping, do your best,its all you can do. When I got mine from the shelter, she was fixed the day before, but you'd never know it, didnt even seem to phase her.

[CTChin]

If you think they are going to bother the suture area, ask for an Elizabethan collar(commonly called E-collar). This goes around the neck to prevent them from getting at their stitches. This doesn't tend to be a huge problem with males and they hate the collors, however, you don't want them pulling their stitches. Luckily your surgery is Dec. 22nd so you should know before they are closed for Christmas whether you will need one for sure.

Other than that...just what is stated above, keep them from running and jumping or else they can have swelling or a hematoma develop near the suture area.

[newbietokittys]

woah brenda yu have loads of pets

[lofty]

the first night they be sore and drowsy and they won't be able to eat anything until the next day they will be much more lively the next day as well and short walks for the first week.

[willowmum]

See if you can get some arnica tablets from the health food shop. Reduces bruising in both dogs and humans, had two of our lurchers 'done' recently and they were both fine. Also use it whenever one of ours gets a knock.

[aisha2004]

hi, I just got my female nutered not to long ago. There really was not anything special that had to be done except keep her calm and crated as much as possible. The first couple of days the dogs will probably be very laid back more then usual. I saw that someone above mentioned the e collar and that is a good thing to have around especially for males.
The vet will also send home a list of instructions. These will probably include things like take the dogs out on a leash, do not let them run around for a few days, do not let the dog eat if home the same night after surgery.
Just a quick thought and you may hate me for this but.......
is there any way that the date can be changed to just after x-mas or after new years?
Our vet tried making our appt. for a Fri, and I changed it to a Mon, only because I was afraid of complications which can occur even up to 7 days after, and with x-mas smack in the middle the office will be closed and your only other option would be emergency care which is very expensive. Just a thought but I am sure everything will be fine Good luck

[sinead]

i wanted it done at this time because im a student and im on holidays after the 17th dec and by the time i return to school they'l have recovered.

my vet is about 11miles from where i live and the surgery is open xmas eve/day and boxing day by appointment only and emergencies.

thanks for your advice though.

sinead

[Desirella]

I think everyone has pretty much covered it and there were some great tips. I just wanted to throw in not bathing them for at least 10 days after... that's one of the instructions that was given to me when my Coby got neutured. Best of luck though! and keep us updated as to how they do afterwards :)

[brandy pup]

You'll be fine. The vet will also give you instructions and ask any questions and call them if you have any more questions or concerns. Thanks for being a responsible pet owner!

Not sure if pre blood work was covered but if you can afford it I would opt for it. It's just good to have in your records as well.

Also there is no food/water for like 10 or something hours before the appt.

[sinead]

we left them in at 9.30 in the morning of the 22nd December and got them home at 5 in the afternoon.

they are going to the vet today to get their sitches out.

they did very well. when we took sal home she lay with her bum in the air and jack couldnt lie down as the sitch material kept jagging into him but hes ok now.

thanks for everyones advice.

[Norman]

I would just like to say well done on making the decision to have your dogs neutered. So many people over here in the UK don't do this and we end up with so many unwanted litters that end up in rescue centres.

Thank you