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What should I expect and how do I care for my dog after spay surgery?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | unspayed | 3 years and 6 months old | 4 lbs

Dr Melanie! I've talked to mom about spaying our tiny angel Bella and she said that we might do it in spring next year. Any advice for after surgery?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 25th, 2016

Wow, that's great! Awesome job talking to your mom about it :-) After surgery, it's extremely important to keep her quiet and rested, and to keep an Ecollar on her to prevent her from licking at her sutures. She has to stay quiet in order for her incision to heal correctly, and she has to stay quiet with the Ecollar on until her sutures are removed 10-14 days after surgery. Licking at her sutures can cause them to break down and open the incision, and it can introduce infection into the area. You will have to check the incision twice a day for signs of infection which include redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or excessive discharge. If you see any of those signs, Bella will have to go back into the vet for an exam and antibiotics. Again, great job talking to your mom!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on November 9th, 2018

    You should have received complete discharge instructions from your veterinarian. Generally, you want to limit exercise to leash walks only for the next 2 weeks. Avoid or prevent excessive running, jumping or rough play. Administer any medication(s) as directed by your veterinarian. An e-collar (cone) can be used to prevent licking of the incision. I see she has a tee shirt on in the image provided. This is fine also, however, it makes examination of the surgery site difficult. Ideally, you should check it twice daily for redness, swelling, discharge, bleeding or if it opens up. Monitor Mitos for lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fever or abdominal pain. These are all symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian. Any sutures or staples are removed 10-14 days after surgery.

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