A key decision pet owners make is whether or not they should fix their intact puppy. Shelter pets are typically adopted out already being spayed/neutered. Therefore, this decision is generally faced by pet owners who purchase from a breeder, as these puppies are commonly sold intact. If you are debating whether or not to spay or neuter your dog, it is important to be well informed of what neutering is, the benefits of neutering and the
aftercare of this procedure before finalizing your decision. If you see any serious complications with your dog please call your veterinarian right away. . Neutering can be done as young as eight weeks or when the puppy is around two pounds. However, many veterinarians wait until six months, and it can be recommended to wait 12-18 months for large and giant breeds as they are still growing at six
months of age. Neutering is a surgical procedure to remove the testicles of an intact male dog. The veterinarian will typically make one small incision either in the scrotum or just above the scrotum for both testicles to be removed from. The incision may be closed using skin glue or left open slightly for any blood that accumulates in the scrotum to drain. Your veterinarian will direct you on if you should expect any drainage from the incision area. Testicles develop near the
kidneys in the dog’s abdominal cavity and typically descend into the scrotum by 5-7 weeks of age. Upon your puppy’s first exam, the veterinarian will palpate the scrotum to determine if both testicles have descended. The testicles may continue to descend (if still in the abdomen or inguinal region) for the next few months but will rarely descend after the dog is six months of age. The dog is considered cryptorchid if one testicle fails to descend and is bilaterally cryptorchid if both fail to
descend. However, if your dog is unilateral cryptorchid (has one descended testicle) or bilaterally cryptorchid, they can still be neutered. Before surgery, your veterinarian will palpate your dog’s abdomen, inguinal and scrotal regions, and can often feel where the testicle is located. The surgery duration is extended if the dog is cryptorchid, so your pet will be under anesthesia for a longer amount of time. Additionally, owners can typically expect two incision sites if their dog is
cryptorchid. These will be closed, and you and your dog may need to re-visit the vet for suture removal if deemed necessary by the veterinarian. There are many health and behavioral benefits to neutering your dog. While undergoing surgery and being anesthetized always has some risk, neuters are typically considered a routine surgery with a great recovery outlook
What to Expect After Neutering Your DogHow long does it take dog to heal after being neutered?Dogs are typically fully healed and can resume their normal exercise routine 7-10 days after being neutered. Although, sometimes they may seem ready for their normal routine before then, it is important to limit your dog’s exercise before the 7-day mark to encourage a complete recovery. How long will my dog be in pain after neutering?Every veterinary clinic has its own anesthetic drug and pain management protocol. Through discussing with your veterinarian, you will learn exactly what pain medications your dog will receive. Typically, your dog will be given injectable pain medication at the time of surgery or shortly after as they recover. If they appear painful, they may receive additional medication as they recover. Additionally, your veterinarian will probably be sending home an oral pain medication (pill). Follow your vet’s directions on if this should be given on a prescribed basis or as needed over the next few days. How soon can I walk my dog after they are neutered?Dogs can go on walks as soon as they come home from the veterinarian! However, running, jumping, and rough play should be avoided as it can open the incision site (if it was closed). Additionally, swimming and bathing should be avoided for 7-10 days while the incision site heals to prevent infection. When can my dog start to run after being neutered?Dogs can resume normal exercise 7-10 days after their neuter. Can my dog be left alone after neutering?Your dog will probably be sent home from the vet’s office on the same day they are neutered. If possible, it is typically recommended to stay with them that afternoon/evening to monitor for any lingering anesthesia side effects. In the 7-10 days following surgery, your dog can be left alone, but should be confined (example to one room or in a kennel) without any other pets to keep them as calm and quiet as possible. If you cannot monitor your dog it is also a good idea to have them wear a cone. How do I comfort my dog after neutering?Your dog may be nervous from being in a strange place all day and may also be confused or tired from the drugs they received. If your dog enjoys cuddling, this is 100% an approved way to comfort them! However, be cautious as they may be aggressive, especially towards small children or excited/playful dogs, as they may not want to play (and should not be allowed to). Avoid changing your dog’s diet or offering too many treats as your dog recovers as this could upset their stomach or make them less likely to eat. However, offering a small amount of bread, peanut butter, or canned food to disguise any pills they need to take is okay. What’s the Expected Neuter Recovery Time for Dogs?It typically takes 7-10 days for a dog to fully recover from a neuter surgery – and your veterinarian may ask to see your dog back for a check-up in this timeframe. This duration allows the incised tissues to fully heal. However, if the incision does not appear to be healing or starts to show signs of infection like redness or puss, please contact your veterinarian to learn what steps you should take. Additionally, while your dog will most likely want to resume their normal activity state well before their ten days have passed, it is recommended you keep them as calm and quiet as possible through limiting their exercise to leashed walks during this time. Neuter Aftercare / Post Neuter CareAlways remember to listen to your veterinarian’s post-surgery care instructions, as this will be specific to the exact procedure performed on your dog, and relate to their age, breed, size, and drugs given. Furthermore, here we will highlight several common recommendations.
How to Monitor Your Dog After Neutering
Signs of Abnormal RecoveryIf you notice your dog exhibiting any of these signs, it could be a sign that the incision is not healing correctly. Look out for these signs of abnormal recovery after the dog’s surgery:
Neutering ComplicationsNeutering a dog is considered a routine surgery and is considered safe with minimal risk to the patient, but some complications can occur. Anesthesia-related deaths are extremely rare and are a risk with any anesthetic procedure. Some dogs are allergic to anesthetic drugs, causing them to have an adverse reaction, often leading to death. Additionally, proper steps must be taken following surgery to ensure the patient is monitored for several hours after surgery, especially if they are hypothermic. The following complications are more frequently reported, but with proper veterinary care often have minimal impact on the patient’s overall outcome:
Cryptorchid dogs do have an increased risk of complications. These surgeries take longer to perform, so the dogs are under anesthesia for a longer duration – increasing the potential for hypothermia. Additionally, depending on the location of the undescended testicle, there may be increased bleeding, as well as an increased risk for another structure to be nicked or damaged during surgery. Tips for Caring for Your Dog After NeuteringMonitor your dog for signs of complications and for any licking! If they are trying to lick or typically enjoy licking themselves, it is essential that they wear a cone/e-collar to prevent them from accessing their incision site. Keep your dog calm, quiet, and dry for 7-10 days following their surgery. Your dog should only have leashed walks and avoid running, jumping, and wrestling with other dogs as this could reopen the incision site. Your dog should not have a bath or go swimming during his timeframe. Ask your veterinarian about telehealth options that they offer. If you have any concerns about your dog’s recovery, you may be able to call, text, or send photos/videos to your veterinary team. From here they may be able to offer suggestions, make recommendations on what to monitor, or ask you to bring your pet into the clinic. For additional peace of mind, MeasureON!, a non-invasive heart rate monitor, can monitor your dog’s temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate while they are home in recovery – feeding this information back to your pet’s veterinary team for the best possible care. Should a dog with an undescended testicle be neutered?Neutering and removal of the retained testicle(s) are recommended. If only one testicle is retained, the dog will have two incisions - one for extraction of each testicle. If both testicles are in the inguinal canal, there will also be two incisions.
What happens if you don't neuter cryptorchid dog?Leaving a cryptorchid dog intact, i.e. not neutered, can cause severe health problems. One is called testicular torsion, a fairly rare situation. A testicle that is retained in the belly is free floating, instead of being secured in its intended location, so it could suddenly twist on itself.
When should you neuter a dog with one testicle?When To Neuter / Desex. Until the exit hole called the inguinal ring closes at around 6 months of age, there's always a chance of the testicle descending. Therefore, the best time to desex is at or after 6 month of age. The actual recommended desexing time for each dog breed can be found here.
Why is it crucial that cryptorchidism be corrected if does not resolve before 6 months of age?Undescended testicles move down on their own in about half of these babies by the time they're 6 months old. If they don't, it's important to get treatment. The testicles make and store sperm, and if they don't descend they could become damaged.
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