Dog Spay Discharge Instructions


Ovariohysterectomy is the full name for the procedure that your dog has just undergone. Commonly known as spaying, this surgery involves the removal of both ovaries and the uterus. This makes it so that your female will not come into heat or have puppies. It also reduces her chances of developing breast cancer by seven times!  For a more detailed explanation of the benefits of having your dog spayed, click here to go to an article on Why Spay or Neuter?


Most dogs do quite well after surgery.  If yours does not, please call and let us know what is going on.  There should be no vomiting, she should feel good, she should eat well, and her incision should not be red, swollen, or oozing.  If she vomits, does not seem to feel good, does not eat well, or has problems with her incision, please call and let us know.


There are several different pain medications that may be prescribed.  Read and follow the label directions carefully, and call if you have any questions regarding your dog's pain medication.


It is important to restrict her activity for the first week.  The rules are: no running, no jumping, no rough playing, and only a few stairs.  Going up the back steps is OK, coming up from the basement is not.  It is best not to let her run free.  A kennel, garage, or inside works well.


At least once a day look at her incision.  Make sure she is not chewing or licking it.  The incision should not appear red or infected.  It should be dry and clean.  Do not put anything on the incision.  I do not recommend cleaning it, either, as that can slow down healing.  No bathing until the sutures are removed, and no swimming until two weeks after surgery.


The stitches will need to be removed in 10 days.  This is a free visit, but we do ask that you call ahead and schedule an appointment.