Having your pet spayed or neutered is the responsible thing to do, but it comes with fears, of course. Any surgical procedure comes with risks and worries. Before you take your dog in for surgery, make sure that you have prepared everything in advance. Your vet will cover the basics, but there are other things you can do to ensure your furbaby will be comfortable for the days after surgery.

Preparing For Pet Surgery

One Month Out: Check Vaccinations.

Most vets will not perform surgery on your furbaby if vaccinations are not up to date. You may be able to find a holistic vet who will, but make sure to plan this well in advance. You do not want to be forced to vaccinate a few days before (or worse, the same day as) surgery. Your pup is young and vaccines are always risky (and add stress to the body). To pair the shot(s) with all that goes with a surgery can add up to problems.

Order a Wonder Suit.

You can go with he “Come of Shame” to keep your dog from licking her incision, or you can opt for one of these amazing body suits instead. You will want to put it on your dog for a few hours a day for the 2 weeks leading to the surgery. This suit will keep the incision protected. (Bonus, you can use it throughout potty training and again in the winter for an added layer of warmth!).   

Crate Training.

Crate training will help your dog handle the recovery. She will have a safe place to stay whether you are home or not.

Ask About Medications.

If your dog takes any supplements or medications, talk to your vet a month before surgery to find out when and if they need to be discontinued before the surgery.

Do Not Stress.

Your furbaby reads your energy, and your stress becomes her stress. She cannot understand why you are feeling this way. You do not want your dog to feel stress while being put under for surgery. Numerous studies show that complications are fewer when a patient is calm and at ease.

Prepare Your House.

You will want to keep your dog’s crate, bed, and blankets on the first floor of your house until she is fully healed. It’s best to gate off a limited area for her to recover in. You will be checking her bandages, giving her medicine, and keeping her calm. There will be no stairs, jumping, running, or playing until she is healed.

Limit Food and Water.

You will need to cut food off the evening before surgery, and most vets will ask you to limit water intake as well. You will want to ask questions about when and how to reintroduce food after the surgery, as most dogs’ stomachs take a few days to keep food down.

Understand the After Care.

Be ready with your questions before the surgery, and be prepared to ask questions after the surgery. Do not leave with your dog before asking to see the incision. You want to know what it looks like and what to expect in the upcoming days. Ask questions about medications, your dog being sick, and anything else that crosses your mind.