Spaying a female dog and neutering a male dog are the most common veterinary surgeries performed, but most people are not very familiar with these procedures. Not only do these surgeries prevent your dog from procreating, but they also help decrease the risk of different illnesses and diseases. Most experts recommend dogs be 6 months of age before spaying or neutering, so if your dog is approaching this age it is time to start preparations. Here are a few simple solutions to prepare your female dog for the spaying surgery.

Consult your Vet

First and foremost, schedule a routine exam for your dog with the veterinarian.

During this exam, the veterinarian will take blood, urine, and fecal samples to test for any underlying conditions that could affect the anesthesia used during the surgery.

Your veterinarian will discuss the results with you and go over the spaying procedure so you will understand the process.

Prep the Home

Preparing your home for your dog is also important, since your dog will need to rest in a comfortable, flat position for a few days.

If you do not already have one, invest in a comfortable bed that is flat and sized for your dog. You should not allow your dog to jump on your bed or couch after the surgery because this movement can cause the incision to open.

Moving around the house or walking up and down stairs to be near you will be difficult after surgery. This motion can affect the sutures or staples used on the incision. In addition, your dog will most likely be on pain medication that will make them weak.

To ensure your dog rests, place the bed in an area where you and your family spend most of the time. Your dog will want to be near you, but they should rest easy after their surgery.

Prepare for the Cone

Most dogs will be required to wear a cone around their neck after surgery. This plastic cone prevents your dog from licking or biting at the wound after surgery. Unfortunately, wearing the cone can be very uncomfortable.

Consider wrapping the edges of the cone in duct tape. This will create an extra layer of protection between your dog and the hard plastic edges of the cone.

Take Some Time Off

If possible, take a few days off of work to supervise and care for your dog after surgery. You should be near your dog in case of an emergency after surgery. Also, you may need to administer pain medication every few hours after the spaying procedure.

Many people will schedule the surgery on a Thursday or Friday, allowing them to have the weekend to spend time comforting their dog before going back to work.

Spaying is an important procedure for your dog's health and wellness. To learn more about preparing your dog and home for this surgery, contact a veterinarian today, such as at Coastal Carolina Animal Hospital.