DOG HEALTH: 6 WAYS TO PREPARE FOR YOUR DOG’S SPAY SURGERY

Wait until your puppy is several months old. Others say to wait until the puppy is four to six months old. In general, however, there is an age range when you can begin to think about getting your puppy desexed and that is usually after it has been weaned from its mother but before it reaches sexual maturity.

Heather Oxford, of L.A. veterinary hospital California Animal Rehabilitation (CARE), on board to answer your questions about your pet’s health and well-being. Unleashed: L.A.’s recent spay/neuter law mandates that pet dogs and cats be sterilized by the time they’re 4 months old.

1. Take time off work. Trust me, you’ll need it.
2. Have a flat bed prepared.
3. Keep the cone on a little longer than required.
4. Have an assortment of toys.
5. Wrap the edge of the cone.
6. Attach the cone to your dog’s collar.

While a dog’s fundamental personality will not change after a spay or neuter surgery, there are some changes you might observe, including: Behavioral changes are more pronounced among neutered males. They’re less likely to hump people, other dogs, and inanimate objects (though many persist).

Can you leave a dog alone after being spayed? You can leave a puppy alone after being spayed but it’s not recommended that you do for the first few days. Vets recommend that you stay by your dog’s side for the first 24 hours as a minimum.

During recovery, your dog should have a quiet place to herself. Keep her away from other pets and children for a few days. Let her get a lot of rest and keep her confined in a crate or small room the first night.

Post Spay and Neuter Surgery Care: Most pets will stay at the hospital the night after they are spayed or neutered for observation. However, some pets may be allowed to go home that evening. Remember, your pet had a major surgery with anesthetic and they may be drowsy or may try to hide.

Yes – dogs can sleep, eat, drink, pee, and poop with a cone on. Luckily, in most cases, the E-collar (or some alternative to it) really only needs to be kept on your dog 7-10 days after surgery, which allows enough time for primary healing to occur.

Can I leave my dog home alone with a cone on? No, you should not leave your dog home alone with a cone on. If you are forced to leave your dog at home alone with a cone on, try and check on them throughout the day, either yourself or getting someone else to do it for you.