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Outdoor neuter recovery for high-energy dog: How to keep him safe?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 11 months and 16 days old | 55 lbs

I’m planning on neutering Scooby soon, I am not able to have him inside for the recovery. Besides getting a kennel for him what other ways can I make the recovery easier for him? He is a very high energy dog and I am worried he’ll take the cone off and take the stitches out.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 30th, 2018

I would get a well made dog house that is insulated against inclement weather for him to recover in. To keep him calm during his recovery, it is best to ask your vet for a medication called Trazodone, which is meant to calm pets post surgery. You can also look into a more natural product called Zylkene, which is available online. The only concern with leaving him outside is that he will have the ability to run and jump, which alone can lead to him opening up his incision. Therefore, the best option here would be to take him to a boarding facility for 7-10 days until his incision heals. Best of luck with your pet Scooby and his upcoming neuter and recovery. Take care!

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