Pet Care: After Neutering & Spaying

So you’ve just returned home after your cat or dog's sterilisation surgery. Here are some post-operation tips to help make the road to recovery an easier one.
Pets Team 05 October 2020

Recovering from surgery is never fun, but as paw-rents, it is our duty to help Fido feel as comfortable as possible while their wounds heal. Here are some tips and important things to note:

  • The anaesthesia is likely to still be in your pet's system during the first 24 hours post-surgery. It typically takes a day for it to fully wear off, so this is also the time that your furkid may experience grogginess, and sleep more than usual. Don’t panic, it’s perfectly normal.

  • Anaesthesia also tends to make animals nauseous, so Fido and Puss may refuse food and water upon returning home. They may also vomit, which is a common reaction to nausea. It should get better as the anaesthesia wears off, but if it does not and the vomiting persists, you’ll need to bring your furkid to the vet immediately.

  • Reintroduce some delicious food slowly by offering small amounts of food and water once your furkid awakens from its nap. Fido’s appetite should return to normal with 24 hours after surgery.

  • Most importantly, you should never allow your furkid to lick or bite the incision! Tugging at the stitches may cause it to reopen, which could lead to painful infections. Most vets would place an e-collar around your pet's neck, and it’s best to leave it on until the incision has fully healed, which usually takes around seven to 10 days.

  • Avoid bathing your furkid and engaging in strenuous activities during the healing process, as these may also cause the stitches to split open.

With the right care and lots of love and patience, your furkid should make a full recovery and be back to its cheery self in no time. Good luck!

* The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified pet health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Always make a pet health care decision in partnership with a qualified veterinary or pet health care professional.
*This article was updated on 5 Oct 2020. It first appeared in PetsMagazine.com.sg on 8 Jul 2016.