What does it take to neuter a dog? At least these 7 steps are required, the whole process of dog sterilization surgery

Dog sterilization surgery is a common pet health management measure, which can effectively control the reproduction of dogs and prevent some reproductive system diseases. Improve the dog's behavior and personality, improve the dog's lifespan and quality of life. So, what does dog neutering surgery entail? At least these 7 steps are required. Let us understand the whole process of dog neutering surgery.

The time for neutering a dog is generally between 6 months and 1 year old, depending on the breed, size, gender and health of the dog. . Generally speaking, small dogs can be neutered around 6 months old, medium and large dogs can be neutered between 8 months and 1 year old, and male dogs can be neutered slightly later than female dogs. If your dog is neutered too early or too late, it may have some adverse effects, so it is best to choose the appropriate time for neutering after consulting your veterinarian.

Step 2: Prepare for sterilization

Before the sterilization operation, the dog needs to undergo some necessary examinations to ensure that the dog's physical condition is suitable for the operation. These tests include blood tests, electrocardiograms, X-rays, etc., which can detect whether your dog has risk factors such as anemia, infection, heart problems, abnormal liver and kidney function, etc. In addition, dogs need to be vaccinated to prevent post-surgical infections. The dog needs to avoid food and water for 12 hours before surgery to avoid the risk of vomiting or suffocation during surgery.

Step 3: Perform sterilization surgery

Dog sterilization surgery is usually performed in professional pet hospitals and is performed by experienced veterinarians. Before the surgery, the veterinarian will inject the dog with an anesthetic to put the dog into a painless sleep state. The veterinarian will then make a small incision in the dog's abdomen or scrotum, remove the dog's ovaries or testicles, and then close the incision with sutures. The surgical procedure generally takes between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the gender and size of the dog. After the operation, the veterinarian will bandage the wound to prevent the dog from licking the wound or causing infection.

Step 4: Observe the reaction after the operation

After the operation, the dog will fall asleep drowsily under the influence of anesthesia. This is normal, so don’t worry. . Generally, the dog will gradually wake up and regain consciousness after 4 to 6 hours. At this time, the dog may experience some uncomfortable reactions, such as vomiting, bleeding, fever, convulsions, etc. These are all side effects of anesthetics and generally disappear within 24 hours. If your dog's reaction is too severe or persists, you need to contact your veterinarian promptly for help.

Step 5: Carry out post-operative care

Post-operative care is the key to ensuring the smooth recovery of the dog, which mainly includes the following aspects:

Keep the wound clean and dry, check the wound every day for redness, swelling, pus, cracking and other abnormalities. If found, treat it promptly or seek medical treatment.

To prevent the dog from licking or biting the wound, you can wear an Elizabethan collar or surgical gown on the dog to limit the dog’s range of activities and wound contact.

Provide the dog with an appropriate amount of water and food to supplement the dog’s physical strength and nutrition, but do not overdo it or use too much oil to avoid increasing the dog’s digestive burden.

Give your dog the painkillers and antibiotics prescribed by the veterinarian on time to relieve the dog's pain and prevent infection, but do not change or stop the medicine at will, so as not to affect the dog's recovery.

Limit the dog’s amount of exercise and avoid strenuous activities such as jumping, running, and playing, so as not to cause wound tearing or bleeding. Generally, within 10 days after the operation, the dog can only do light exercise. of walking and playing.

On the 3rd and 7th days after the operation, you need to take the dog to the hospital for review to check the dog’s wound healing and physical condition, if necessary , the veterinarian will change the dog's dressing or adjust the medicine. From the 10th to the 14th day after the operation, you need to take the dog to the hospital to remove the sutures. Before removing the sutures, the veterinarian will check again whether the dog's wound is completely healed. If there is no problem, the sutures can be removed. After the operation is completed the final step.

Step 7: Adjust the dog’s lifestyle

After the dog is neutered, due to changes in the dog’s hormone levels, the dog’s lifestyle also needs to be adjusted accordingly. , mainly including the following aspects:

Control the dog’s food intake and weight. After the dog is sterilized, the dog’s metabolism will decrease and the dog’s appetite will increase. If it is not controlled, the dog’s appetite will increase. It is easy to gain weight and lead to some obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes, arthritis, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to provide the dog with low-calorie, high-nutrition food, feed it regularly and quantitatively, avoid giving the dog snacks or snacks, and increase the dog’s amount of exercise and play time. After the dog is neutered, the dog’s vitality will decrease. If it is reduced, the dog's mental state will become dull. If not regulated, the dog may develop behavioral problems such as depression, anxiety, and aggression. Therefore, it is necessary to provide dogs with enough exercise and entertainment to keep them physically and mentally healthy and happy, and to enhance their trust and intimacy.

Pay attention to the dog’s psychological changes and emotional needs. After the dog is neutered, the dog’s personality and habits may undergo some changes. The dog may become more docile, dependent, sensitive or timid. , may also become more confident, independent, curious or playful. Therefore, it is necessary to provide the dog with appropriate guidance and education based on the dog’s personality and characteristics to meet the dog’s psychological needs and increase the dog’s self-esteem and sense of security.

Continue to perform regular health checkups and health care for your dog. Although some reproductive system diseases of dogs can be prevented after sterilization, dogs may still suffer from other diseases, such as Skin diseases, dental diseases, eye and ear diseases, etc. Therefore, you need to take your dog to the hospital regularly for comprehensive health examinations to detect and treat the dog's illness in a timely manner. At the same time, you must also provide daily cleaning and care for your dog to keep your dog hygienic and comfortable.