Your dog is in need of you right now.You paid another human to neuter him.This will affect his behavior and eliminate his ability to procreate.He will be tired and nauseated for a few days despite the simplicity of the procedure.He will be at risk of an infections for a while.He still loves you.You should take care of him by letting him rest, and doing everything you can to prevent infections and help him heal.
Step 1: Allow him to rest.
Make sure he has a place to lie down when you get home.He will likely sleep a lot after the surgery, so make it quiet.Don't let him be if you check on him once an hour to make sure he's not vomiting too much.Children and animals should be kept away from him.You should be aware that your dog is still feeling the effects of the anesthesia he was given.He may not have complete control of his body.Keep him indoors for a full day and make sure he is not disturbed.
Step 2: Wait until the anesthesia wears off to feed him.
Don't feed your dog until he's regained his composure, but keep water readily available at all times.The evening of the surgery is when most dogs will eat, but some will only eat a small amount.Feed him half of what he usually eats for his first meal after surgery.The rest of the food should be provided throughout the day.Your vet may give you bland food for your dog's first meal after surgery.If your dog isn't interested in eating after 48 hours, call your vet.
Step 3: There are signs of danger that you should watch out for.
Dehydration, decreased appetite, and vomiting are some of the symptoms to watch out for.If any of these symptoms persist for more than a day after the surgery, call your vet.If your dog vomits, call the vet.A small cough is normal.A breathing tube was used to help him breathe while under anesthesia, and may have caused some irritation that will heal in a few days.
Step 4: Get him a degree.
Today, these collars are referred to as "cones", and are similar to an inverted lamp shade.If you call it an e-collar, it will prevent your dog from licking or chewing the location of his surgery.It is important to keep the sutures in place.As soon as he gets home, put a collar on him.You may be able to distract him from licking with a toy, but you need a collar to stop him when you aren't around.The collar should not be taken off too early as the dog is more likely to chew at the incision when it starts to heal and become itchy.It is likely to happen from five to eight days after the surgery.To be safe, keep the collar on until the skin is healed.If the vet didn't give you an e-collar, you can get one from a pet store.It may be easier for him to access his food and water bowls if he has a stiff collar.
Step 5: Twice a day, look at the incision site.
The incision from the surgery needs to be checked at least twice daily.Look for redness, swelling, or discharge around the incision.For a few days, small amounts of redness and swelling are normal, but if it gets worse, call your vet.Call your vet if the incision is open.The dog may need to be brought in to get the re-sutured.You can clean the incision with a cotton ball dipped in water or salt.
Step 6: He should be inactive for a week.
For at least a week, minimize your dog's activity.It is important to not interrupt the healing process.Do not allow him to get near any other animals while he is on a leash.Don't let him go off the leash in a park or yard.It is less likely that you will see other dogs when you walk him.If you see another dog, cross the street or change direction before reaching them to reduce stress and avoid sudden movements by your dog.
Step 7: Don't let him run or jump for a while.
Don't allow your dog to run, jump, or roughhouse for two weeks after the surgery.Before allowing him to return to full activity, you want to make sure he heals.When he can become active again depends on your vet's recommendations.It is possible to let him out into the yard once the incision site has healed, but keep him on a leash until you are certain he is healed.
Step 8: Don't bathe him.
You will have to delay bathing your dog for about ten days.Follow your vet's specific instructions for healing.You should wait at least a week before allowing your dog to get wet, as this will increase the risk of infections.If your dog lays in the bathroom and needs to be cleaned, you can use waterless shampoo from a pet store.Don't use it near the surgery.
Step 9: Return to the vet to have the sutures removed.
Take a look at the surgical paperwork.Ensure that buried sutures were used, which do not require removal and will be safe to use.You may need to revisit the vet to have the sutures removed if this type was not used.Contact the vet who did the procedure if you are unsure.The paperwork can show that your dog has been neutered.You should keep this for your records.The vaccinations the dog has received, as well as any other information, will likely be shown.