The most dangerous time is after sterilizing a dog. How to care for your dog after sterilization

Probably every dog owner has been faced with the fact that it is time to castrate him. This is an almost inevitable process that almost everyone goes through. However, this is not the easiest solution, and it requires a thoughtful approach to the issue. Dog castration It also requires a thoughtful approach to care after surgery, since not everything is as smooth as we would like. The dog’s mood and behavior changes dramatically, so you need to monitor the condition especially closely at first and constantly be with the dog.

In this article we will look at all the “pros” and “cons” of dog castration, find out How does a dog's behavior change after surgery?, as well as how to care for them after castration. The article is for informational purposes only. Specialists from our center are ready to provide professional assistance, advise you at home after examining the dog and tell you what actions to take next.

Castration of dogs: pros and cons

Unfortunately, castration of dogs is not the simplest operation, although it is a typical one. Also, dogs are often sterilized, but unlike this, the dog’s genitals are removed, which can lead to a number of complications. However, there are also a number of advantages. Of course, if they did not exist, castration would not be so popular among owners.

the male does not mark his territory (the female is not in heat);
the dog’s aggressive behavior disappears, it stops attacking everything;
the pet loses sexual desire, which often leads to not the best consequences.

Many owners believe that when a dog is castrated, it is bullying. They believe that the operation is inhumane and cruel. However, it is worth noting that if you do not intend to breed an animal and raise offspring, then this condition for the dog will be even more painful than after castration.

At what age should you castrate? How does age affect castration?

At what age is it better to neuter a dog?

For dog breeds that do not reach large sizes, it is best to castrate at the age of 7-8 months, when they are still puppies. If the breed is large, then it is between a year and a year and a half old.
It is worth focusing not only on the age, but also on the individual characteristics of the dog. Within the specified age limits, the dog had already developed a sexual desire, a desire to mark territory appeared, and aggression in behavior began to develop. You need to choose such a period and it will be the best for the operation.
Castration can also be carried out at a later age, even for very old dogs over 5 years old. But the health of a dog at this age leaves much to be desired. The sutures take a long time to heal, complications and restoration of the reproductive system are possible.

Dog castration: reasons for doing it

Various diseases and tumors, for example testes. This also includes cysts in the prostate area, inflammation of the organs, and cryptorchidism. Surgery is performed on dogs for both preventative and therapeutic purposes. Thanks to castration, the possibility of diseases of the genitourinary system, as well as some diseases that are sexually transmitted, is reduced.
Reasons that are related to behavior: for example, the dog behaved aggressively, rushed about, attacked things and people.

Aggression is considered the main reason why owners turn to veterinarians for help and asking for castration. There is no one hundred percent guarantee that behavior will change for the better. However, the experts of our medical center will advise you on all questions that arise, conduct the necessary tests and make their expert opinion.

Dog castration: next day

It is in the first days that it is decided how the pet will recover after surgery on his sex life. It is worth remembering that the operation is performed under anesthesia, and it has a strong effect on the body and the pet will recover slowly. His body temperature decreases, processes in the body slow down. Therefore, the dog requires additional warmth, as well as careful transportation and a more comfortable place to lie and recover.

Although the dog needs warmth, it In no case should it be placed on a heating pad or near a radiator or fireplace due to this that internal bleeding may develop. She should sleep and recover on a soft, warm mattress in a warm room. After anesthesia, the pet does not immediately come to its senses, so it is necessary to ensure control of the dog at the moment when it wakes up. But you should be careful, because the dog’s behavior after castration can be unpredictable. The pet does not understand where it is, what happened to it, and often it can be aggressive in the first minutes after rising. It will be difficult for the dog to stand on its paws and walk somewhere. The owner needs to be affectionate with the animal, caress it and speak in a calm voice. Do not make sudden movements or make loud sounds.

Dog castration: postoperative period

rules for care after castration of a dog

At first, there is a risk of a decrease in heart rate or even stopping breathing. You should monitor these parameters and feel the dog's pulse. No one knows how the animal will survive the anesthesia and how it will affect her.
You need to take care of your dog's stitch. All necessary recommendations for their care will be given by the attending surgeon at our center.
If the pet shows that it is in pain (the dog whines or rushes about), then it should be given an anesthetic. You will also have to adhere to the diet prescribed by the treating veterinarian for some time, and you should not walk the dog a lot. If you are walking, be sure to wear a muzzle and use a collar and leash. Remember that cleaning the wound and sutures is very important after any operation.

Feeding is an important part of dog rehabilitation - dog castration

After dogs have been castrated, special recovery is necessary. Feeding is the main component of a dog’s recovery. The attending physician will prescribe the foods and water that can and should be used, and will also tell you what to feed and water the dog under no circumstances. It is also important to say that immediately after anesthesia the dog should not be fed for about a day. Only then will she be able to hold her head up, chew and swallow on her own. Drinking water can be given only a little if she is able and drinks without problems such as eating.

It is worth remembering and keeping in mind that some time after the operation the dog’s hormonal balance has changed quite significantly. Therefore, not only the food should be agreed upon with the doctor, but also the portion size. Most often, it becomes smaller enough to reduce the risk of obesity in the animal.

Refusal to take food prescribed by your doctor after surgery is a bad sign. You should immediately contact your veterinarian and ask for further action. After a thorough examination, which can be carried out in your home, given the difficulty of transportation after the operation, the doctor will give further instructions and also ask some questions: does the animal drink, how does it behave, etc.

Castration of dogs: negative consequences

arise negative consequences after castration of a dog may be due to non-compliance with doctor's instructions.

Pus on the sutures, dehiscence (Wound treatment is important);
Infection of the suture space;
Incontinence;
Hernia;
Tumor development;
Non-healing bruise in the area of the stitches;
Inflammatory period for stitches, if you do not follow the doctor’s instructions.

Vomiting, often immediately after recovery from anesthesia;
Incontinence;
Stress;
An increase in body temperature or, conversely, a decrease;
Metabolic disorders after surgery.

In the longer term, your dog may become overweight and obese due to hormonal changes. This is a bad sign, because it puts a lot of stress on the dog. To avoid this or correct the current situation, physical activity is necessary, as well as proper nutrition, which will be prescribed by your doctor. After castration, you should also be examined by a veterinarian, since obesity can be not only external, but also inside the organs, which will have an even worse effect on the dog’s health.

However, all these consequences can only be due to the negligence of the owners. If you look after the dog and follow the doctor's instructions, then everything will be fine and the dog will recover very quickly. Moreover, after recovery she will become more obedient, happy and playful. Will not lunge at people or things.

Dog castration: conclusion

Castration of dogs has big pros and cons. The recovery period is long and not everyone decides to undergo surgery. The decision is up to the owner. Remember that after recovery your dog will only be better off if you are not going to happen to him with other dogs. There are a lot of castrated pets and this is not at all visible from the outside.

However, if you have questions and remain unsure, our doctors are ready to come to your home and advise. Also, tests and conclusions can be made right on the spot about the dog’s health and whether it can be prescribed castration surgery.

Dog castration recommended for preventing the appearance of unwanted offspring and improving the working qualities of adults. In some cases, surgery may cause certain side effects. Before making a decision, you should carefully weigh all the pros and cons of removing your dog's gonads.

In order to improve the working qualities of dogs. If a male dog is used for hunting, protection, as a guide or sled dog, removal of the gonads will allow the dog not to react to individuals of the opposite sex and completely concentrate on work.
To prevent uncontrolled reproduction. When keeping a sexually mature bitch, there is a possibility of uncontrolled conception. Removing the gonads will eliminate the need to house the puppies.
If there are medical indications. Among medical diagnoses that require removal of the gonads in male dogs, cryptorchidism is the most common. Cryptorchid must be castrated due to the high likelihood of developing an egg tumor. For male dogs, surgery is also performed for prostatitis, cystic or other neoplasms in the gonads. Castration of a female dog may be necessary if there are serious complications during pregnancy.
Correction of dog behavior. Removal of the testes is recommended for male dogs with spontaneous ejaculation, frequent groundless erections, and attacks of unmotivated aggression. This dog behavior can be caused by an excess of sex hormones. Usually, after castration, the dog becomes calmer and more manageable, aggression and the need to prove its leadership disappear, and the male stops marking his territory.

Experts recommend spaying all female dogs not intended for breeding. Males should undergo selective castration, guided by lifestyle and behavior (whether he marks his territory, how he reacts to other dogs and people).

Contraindications

Before the intervention, the dog is examined and all possible contraindications are excluded. Based on the results of the examination, the veterinarian decides whether the dog can be operated on.

It is not recommended to perform surgery on animals with diseases of the cardiovascular system and kidneys. Intervention at too early (in a puppy before 4-5 months) or mature (in a dog after 5-6 years) age is also associated with health risks.

It is worth postponing the operation in cases where the dog is weakened and exhausted, its appetite is impaired, and there is a deterioration in the condition of the coat. Castration of males and females is not carried out within 30 days after vaccination.

Points for and against

Neutering a dog will help make a male or female dog more suitable for home keeping. However, the operation can cause some pathologies. Before deciding to castrate a dog or bitch, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons. A visit to the veterinarian and a preliminary examination will help to assess the possible risks for the dog. Information about the procedure can be found on the Internet: every dog breeding forum has topics dedicated to the issues of castration of males and females.

Many owners begin to think about castrating their puppy after puberty. Often during this period, the dog’s behavior changes noticeably: the male marks his territory and shows interest in the females, the females run away from home. An increase in the amount of sex hormones also affects the character: the animal becomes uncontrollable and has causeless outbursts of aggression. Does castration of dogs help in such cases? If the changes are caused by hormonal imbalances, castration helps eliminate marks in the house and makes it possible to correct the dog’s character. However, you should not count on a positive result if the pet’s behavior is a consequence of bad manners and lack of training, or if the dog initially has a cocky disposition.

The question of whether castration is necessary for a male dog that does not show pronounced changes in character and lifestyle does not have a clear answer. Today, a number of experts believe that the procedure should be selective: intervention should be performed on male dogs that are unable to cope with the influx of hormones or are prone to certain diseases.

pros

What does castration of dogs give:

Bitches and males lose their ability to reproduce, which helps prevent the birth of unplanned puppies.
The dog becomes calmer and more balanced.
The dog's life expectancy increases, the risk of developing prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis in males, diabetes mellitus, and malignant neoplasms is reduced.

Minuses

Regardless of what types of castration are used, they all lead to changes in hormonal balance and do not always have a positive effect on the dog’s condition. Negative consequences may be as follows:

In young dogs, the risk of pathologies such as hypothyroidism, bone cancer, and vascular tumors increases;
There are disturbances in the functioning of the urinary system (a significant percentage of bitches develop urinary incontinence);
In an adult male, behavioral deviations, sleep disturbance, disorientation can be observed.

Age

The optimal age for the intervention is immediately after puberty. The timing of large and small dogs may vary: in small breeds, puberty usually occurs at 5-7 months, in large-at 8-10 months. More accurately to determine at what age it is better to carry out the operation of the dog, the veterinarian will help.

Too early castration of the puppy can lead to disorders of the functioning of the genitourinary system and developmental disabilities. When casting a male in adulthood, there is a high probability of maintaining sexual behavior. Operations on medical reasons are made regardless of the age of the dog.

Methods

In relation to dogs, surgical or chemical castration can be used.

Chemical

This method is reversible. Under the influence of the drug, the production of sex hormones is stopped, as a result of which infertility occurs in the dog after 3-4 weeks. This method is recommended for dogs with intolerance to anesthetics, as well as male hunting, service and guard rocks to improve working qualities.

Surgical

Operational methods provide for the removal of testes or ovaries in the dogs through the cuts in the scrotum or abdominal cavity. As a rule, the intervention takes place under general anesthesia and requires a certain preparation and rehabilitation.

Recently, laparoscopy has been increasingly used. The dog can be castrated using a special tool, which is introduced through small punctures. This technique minimizes possible complications both during the procedure and after it, and the rehabilitation of the dog is much faster.

Complexity of the operation

The complexity of the intervention is evaluated depending on whether it will be carried out to a female or a male. In this case, the condition and age of the dog is also taken into account.

The castration of a male, which in which both testicles are in the scrotum, is considered a relatively simple procedure. Bitch and cryptorchs need to open the peritoneum, which complicates the operation.

How long does the intervention last?

The time of surgery primarily depends on the gender of the dog. Castration of male dogs in the absence of complications takes from 10 to 15 minutes. The duration of spaying in females can vary from 30 minutes to an hour. When using laparoscopic access, the duration of the procedure is 20-30 minutes. You can find out more precisely how long the operation lasts from a veterinarian after a preliminary examination of the dog.

Cost of the procedure

The price of the operation depends on several factors: the gender of the dog (castration of females is more expensive than removal of the testes of males), weight, from which the amount of anesthetics is calculated, and the need for observation in the postoperative period.

The availability of modern equipment in the veterinary hospital and the level of qualifications of the staff also influence how much castration costs.

Preoperative period

No special preparations for the dog are required during the preoperative period. Preparation for the operation consists of following a diet: 8-12 hours before castration, you must stop feeding the dog, and 3-4 hours before, give water. The animal must be pre-treated for helminths and vaccinated.

Postoperative period

Care in the first hours consists of monitoring pulse, respiration, and temperature. The duration of the most difficult period depends on how long the dog recovers from anesthesia. After gas anesthesia, the animal comes to its senses quite quickly; with intravenous administration of drugs, coordination of movements is restored within several hours. If, before fully recovering from anesthesia, the dog began to pee under itself, this is not considered a deviation. A cause for concern should be that the pet does not go to the toilet for too long, or urination problems are observed after 12-24 hours.

After 3-4 hours, you can offer the dog water and a small amount of food. Some males and females may experience a lack of appetite for 1-2 days.

In the first days after castration, surgical sutures and incisions on the scrotum in male dogs require special attention. If your dog is licking wounds, it is recommended to use a collar. The veterinarian will tell you how long to wear the collar.

If you properly care for your dog in accordance with the advice of a specialist, your pet’s recovery will be as quick as possible.

Complications

Removal of the gonads in dogs usually occurs without serious complications. After castration of male dogs, swelling of the scrotum may be observed, which goes away on its own within 1-2 days. The most common complications in dogs include wound infection, abscesses, and suture dehiscence.

If post-operative swelling does not go away within a few days, pus or blood is released from the wound, the dog has no appetite and has a fever, you should seek veterinary help.

Location

Castration of dogs can be carried out both in a veterinary clinic and at home. The main condition for a successful outcome of the procedure is contacting a qualified veterinarian. You should not risk the health and life of your dog by turning to dubious specialists who offer inexpensive castration, or by trying to castrate a male dog yourself, guided by articles, videos and photos from the Internet.

At home

The location of the operation should be chosen taking into account the age, condition and gender of the dog. You can castrate young male dogs at home without identified chronic diseases. The cost of the procedure in this case will be slightly higher than in a veterinary clinic.

Vet clinic

Due to the high probability of complications, castration of an old dog is best done in a specialized institution. The veterinary clinic is the optimal choice for castrating sick animals for medical reasons, male dogs with cryptorchidism, as well as performing abdominal surgeries on female dogs. The presence of specialized equipment minimizes the negative consequences of various critical situations.

Sterilization of dogs is a surgical procedure after which the pet loses the ability to reproduce. This procedure can only be performed by a qualified veterinarian, since an unprofessional operation can lead to very disastrous consequences. Laparoscopic sterilization of dogs and endoscopic sterilization of dogs have both supporters and opponents. Dog owners are divided into these 2 camps based on their attitude towards sterilization.

Is it necessary to sterilize a dog?

The issue of sterilization is more of a purely practical nature than a moral one, so every dog owner should think about it early.

Stray dogs are sterilized to control their numbers. Homemade - primarily for the prevention of such dangerous diseases as transmissible sarcoma, pyometra, breast cancer and other types of cancer. The opinion of some owners that a dog needs to give birth to at least 1 litter to be healthy has been established and proven wrong. There's really no need for this.

Late sterilization reduces the risk of breast cancer by 4 times, early sterilization to an even greater extent. However, it makes sense to sterilize even older dogs. This will serve as an effective prevention of pyometra and other diseases.

It is also a misconception that sterilized dogs have a shorter lifespan and become fat and lethargic. In fact, such an operation significantly prolongs life, and only those dogs that get fat are fed too much and given little physical exercise.

Also, sterilized dogs do not experience stress, their appetite increases, but overfeeding them is unacceptable. Nowadays, laparoscopic sterilization of a dog can be performed both in the clinic and at home. It is no longer a complex abdominal operation. However, during the postoperative period the dog needs careful care.

Advantages and disadvantages

Arguments in favor of sterilizing dogs:

Life expectancy increases by an average of 1.5-2 years.
The dog becomes calmer, aggression disappears. The dog becomes more obedient and tries less to dominate its owner.
The dog marks the owner's house and the houses of his neighbors less.
Hormonal problems are eliminated, in particular the risk of hormone-dependent breast cancer.
The risk of pyometra, transmissible sarcoma, cysts and cancer of the ovaries, testes and uterus, as well as prostatitis, is greatly reduced.

A dog needs sexual intercourse solely for reproduction; it does not affect the pet’s health in any way. In this case, the dog will not feel remorse and will not try to reproduce again and again, since a conscious desire to have children is not typical for dogs. This procedure is indicated for dogs of all ages. However, there are some negative consequences associated with sterilizing older dogs. The sooner this procedure is performed, the easier the animal will tolerate it.

Arguments against sterilizing dogs:

Neutering dogs, although generally a fairly predictable procedure, can sometimes still go against the plan. This is mainly due to the clinic itself and the qualifications of the veterinary surgeon. Inexperienced new veterinarians can make serious mistakes that dogs later pay for.

Complications are likely, in particular, infections, bleeding, hernias, suture rupture, inflammation.
After surgery, the animal gains excess weight due to changes in metabolism in the body.
During the period 3-7 years after sterilization, urinary incontinence may occur. This, in turn, can lead to chronic and acute diseases of the urinary tract.
To sterilize a dog, anesthesia is required, which can negatively affect the pet’s body.

Before deciding whether his dog needs sterilization, the owner should consider that deaths from this procedure are extremely rare, while deaths from sarcoma and other cancers are very common.

Disadvantages of the procedure

The disadvantages of sterilizing a dog include the fact that this operation is actually performed under general anesthesia, which in any case poses a certain health risk, especially if we are talking about a puppy. Possible complications of the operation are also quite dangerous, therefore it is necessary to be extremely careful when choosing a veterinary surgeon. Before the operation, the dog must be healthy, then it will definitely tolerate sterilization normally.

Some people have a moral aversion to the idea of sterilization, attributing human feelings to animals. However, in reality, a dog does not dream of children - it is only an instinct. She will not be ashamed in front of her friends because she remains an “old maid.” Therefore, dog breeders should think not about their own feelings, but about the comfort and health of their dogs.

At what age are dogs sterilized?

Veterinarians advise sterilizing pets at the age of 5-6 months. In this case, the negative consequences for the pet’s health will be minimized.

Consequences of sterilization

Like every operation, dog sterilization has certain consequences. Sterilization can lead to obesity and urinary incontinence. To avoid this problem, veterinarians often advise removing both ovaries along with the uterus.

Before and after sterilization

Although this operation is quite simple, it is safer to perform it in a clinic. If the animal’s health condition causes any concern, it is better to postpone the operation. General anesthesia is used for this. The dog is not fed anything for 12 hours before the operation.

Dogs usually tolerate sterilization easily, so there is no need to keep them in a hospital. Males feel good on the 2nd day after castration. Standard castration does not require the removal of stitches.

The bitch can be given water 1 or 2 hours after sterilization. Feeding during the first 2 days is necessary in fractional, small portions. During the first 24 hours after surgery, you can take your dog for walks. It is unacceptable to lick and dirty the seams, so they are covered with a blanket. During the first 3 days after surgery, you must carefully monitor your pet's condition. In case of lethargy, bleeding, fever or suppuration of the sutures, you should immediately contact a veterinarian. Sutures are removed 7-10 days after surgery.

Why is sterilization necessary?

There are 2 serious reasons that can force a dog owner to perform this operation. The first is the absence of offspring from the animal after the operation. After all, the reproductive instinct is one of the most powerful. A dog that desires lovemaking can be quite difficult to contain, and regular dog weddings can be very annoying. Owners of bitches constantly experience problems with the placement of puppies. With purebred puppies there may not be any special difficulties, but with ordinary mongrels they are guaranteed. I don't want to kill them either.

The second reason is that sterilization serves as a reliable shield against various diseases. Dogs also get sick, and their various ailments can be transmitted through sexual contact. Sterilization can protect a dog for life from pyometra, mammary cancer, and transmissible sarcoma.

How the operation is performed

It is performed by a qualified veterinarian under general anesthesia. The operation takes 1-1.5 hours. The method of performing it is determined by the gender of the pet. The testes of male dogs are removed by any method that is convenient for the surgeon. In bitches, everything is much more complicated, since it is necessary to perform abdominal surgery, which opens access to the abdominal cavity. In this case, either only the ovaries, or both the ovaries and the uterus, are removed.

When to carry out

In male, this procedure is not recommended to be performed until they reach the age of 6 months, since otherwise the growth and development delay may appear. In females, this operation is most shown to the first estrus in life, that is, at 4-5 months, since in this case the probability of genitals cancer falls almost 200 times. The later this procedure is performed, the higher the risk of cancer.

How to get out with a pet after surgery

Immediately after the sterilization of dogs has passed should be laid on an even floor, laying the litter. After the pets departed from anesthesia (this can happen within a day), it is necessary to moisten his tongue and nose with water. You can not give a lot of liquids. You can only feed on the 2nd day and only with soft feeds (minced meat or paste). The seams should be treated for 10 days with antiseptics and protect against getting wet. Sometimes it happens that the animal is raising the seams. To exclude this situation, a protective blanket or collar should be used. Care for the pet after sterilization involves the treatment of antibiotics. The duration of their use is determined by the veterinarian.

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First of all, if you take a thoroughbred tribal dog, which has every chance to win in exhibition ring. Such individuals are very expensive, and, of course, it makes sense to use them for breeding to receive purebred offspring. If you need a friend, then it is not so important if he has a pedigree and what titles of his relatives had. Therefore, long before you have a pet, think what plans you have to be connected with him, so that later there are fewer disappointments.

What the future owner needs to know

Try to seek advice only from competent dog handlers or veterinarians. By asking your fellow walkers for advice, you run the risk of hearing various conjectures that are not true. In particular, the opinion is very often conveyed among dog lovers that a bitch, for her health, must give birth at least once in her life. In fact, this is a completely baseless statement. Moreover, if the owner of an adult dog, more than six years old, heard it and, frightened, decided not to hesitate any longer, such complications are fraught with much more serious complications than sterilization of dogs. Only a competent doctor should tell the pros and cons of this procedure, so do not trust your pet’s health to non-professionals.

The second common myth is familiar to owners of male dogs. You will definitely be strongly advised to untie the male dog as early as possible, so that he acquires a heavier backbone and begins to guard the house more strictly, that is, from a cheerful puppy he turns into a formidable and stern guard. In fact, mating will not help here; males usually mature after two years, and the bone structure depends solely on genetic characteristics. But you will definitely have more problems. An untied male will search for a female all his life, tiring his owner by pursuing any female. Therefore, if such individuals are not breeding animals from which it is important to obtain offspring, then sterilization of dogs would be a good solution for you. We will consider the pros and cons in detail so that you have a good idea of the consequences of your decision.

The main advantages of sterilization for the owner of a bitch

Of course, every loving owner worries about his pet and wants to collect all the information about the upcoming operation. This is the right approach, because we alone are responsible for those we have tamed.

So, sterilization surgery. Of course, first of all, the decision should be made by the attending physician based on an examination of the animal and a conclusion about its state of health. What advantages can be identified if a decision is made in favor of surgery?

First of all, problems associated with the dog’s pregnancy and subsequent births disappear. And, what is especially important, the owner will not have to think about what to do with unwanted offspring (in modern realities it is difficult to say what would be more humane - to destroy or “distribute into good hands,” dooming many to a homeless life). The financial aspect is also important. The operation is not free, but it saves the owner from caring for a pregnant and pregnant bitch and puppies, which is much more expensive.

Animal behavior

Walking outside becomes much calmer; male dogs lose interest in the sterilized female, as she stops being in heat. The risk of developing breast tumors is reduced several times. This is not the only health problem that this operation can solve. In some cases, this reduces to almost zero the risk of various diseases of the genital organs, including malignant neoplasms. in Moscow they perform this operation at the highest level, eliminating the possibility of complications. It will be especially effective if carried out before the first heat.

An additional advantage is always noted by city residents. Breeding puppies in a cramped apartment is a very difficult task, and therefore many easily agree that it is much better to avoid such an experience, and the most effective way is to sterilize the dogs. The price of this operation is not so high, everyone can afford it. In addition, this measure immediately solves the problem of cleaning up after the bitch during heat.

The main advantages of sterilization for the owner of a male dog

In fact, only in relation to bitches can the term “operation” be applied. Sterilization of dogs may not be cavity sterilization if we are talking about males. In this case, the whole procedure comes down to removing the testes. After the rehabilitation process is completed, the animal becomes less susceptible to attacks of aggression, which means that it will be less likely to fight with its relatives and be injured. You can no longer be afraid of venereal sarcoma, which is sexually transmitted and leads to the formation of tumor growths.

A sterilized male will not run away from home, driven by instincts, and the owner will not have to look for him. There is no need to quarrel with neighbors, the dog becomes calm after sterilization, it does not howl or rush around in search of a partner, does not urinate in inappropriate places, and practically does not react to relatives approaching during a walk.

A common plus for dogs of both sexes: sterilization increases your pet's life expectancy by almost 20%. Moreover, in some cases it is noted that the dog remains playful and active almost until death. If you do not want to engage in professional breeding, give your pet 3-4 additional years of life, because they only have so much time.

Sterilization as a social necessity

Today the problem of abandoned people is especially acute. Shelters organized with donations from citizens cannot accommodate all four-legged animals that need help. Therefore, animal defenders carry out regional actions, sterilizing and treating them, and then releasing them back. Booths are set up in some courtyards, and local residents work together to feed their inhabitants. Is it humane to sterilize dogs in this case? The pros and cons are obvious. Of course, this does not solve the problem, the animal remains on the street, but it will not produce puppies twice a year, which means that the population of stray animals will become smaller, not larger.

Contraindications to sterilization

Despite the apparent ease, this procedure is a surgical intervention that leads to irreversible consequences. Veterinary clinics in Moscow offer you a full range of services, from initial diagnosis and examination to post-operative rehabilitation. If you turn to professionals, the recovery process after the intervention will go quite quickly, but the doctor will definitely warn you about a number of contraindications.

Due to their body structure, there are breeds for which this operation can result in serious complications. Typically these include pugs and bulldogs. Carefully choose an experienced surgeon, he will be able to tell you in detail about dogs. The price in this case is not a guarantee that you will be able to avoid complications. The doctor will have to evaluate medical contraindications, take into account cardiovascular failure and impaired renal function, so animals over 5 years of age are primarily at risk.

The main disadvantages that a loving owner should know about

Like all surgical interventions, sterilization of dogs also has its drawbacks. Reviews from many owners indicate that the most unpleasant consequence is urinary incontinence. Indeed, this happens quite often, and this complication develops some time after the operation, so that, at first glance, it is not related to it. In fact, everything is easy to explain if we turn to physiology. The uterus and ovaries are removed from the abdominal cavity, creating a cavity into which the bladder is displaced. As a result, diseases of the urinary system of varying severity develop. In addition, hormonal changes contribute to the development of this complication. But for the most part this is true for large breed dogs weighing more than 30 kg. Hormonal changes, in turn, lead to the development of obesity, so now you will need to especially carefully monitor your pet’s diet.

The operation itself is a risk factor. After sterilization, a dog’s suture may fester or rupture; there is a risk of bleeding and infection, inflammatory processes, and the formation of a hernia. We must not forget that sterilization is carried out under general anesthesia, which puts stress on the pet’s body. The heart is especially at risk. Finally, there is evidence from dog handlers that conditioned reflexes in sterilized dogs are developed somewhat worse, which means you need to think about when to sterilize your dog.

Surgical sterilization of female dogs most often has minimal health risks and does not carry additional complications. But for a male dog, this operation always leads to problems in the dog’s health, regardless of the age at which the operation was performed.

Optimal age

For medical reasons, this operation can be performed throughout the pet’s life. However, if we talk about the prevention of diseases and pregnancy, as well as behavior correction, it becomes clear that it is better to subject young dogs to it. But here opinions differ. They veterinarians believe that it is optimal to do it to puppies at 2 months of age. Others argue that in this case the development of the pet slows down, growth retardation is possible, as well as difficulties with learning. Therefore, it is believed that it is best to prepare an animal for surgery when it is 12 months old. It is at this age that dogs are best sterilized. The age of one year is usually marked by the first heat, just after its end you can go to the veterinarian.

After operation

We have already touched on the topic of the cost of the operation. In Moscow clinics you will pay from 1000 to 2000 rubles for it, which is not so expensive if you consider all the advantages that sterilization of dogs gives. Caring for a pet after surgery is quite troublesome, you will have to be patient. You have to do bandages every day and monitor the condition of the animal. If you notice suppuration or an unpleasant odor under the bandage, this is a reason to immediately go to the doctor. The animal may be lethargic for the first days, but if the pet completely refuses to eat, this is also an alarming sign.

As the dog's condition returns to normal, it is time to return life to normal. This means that you need to walk a lot again and be sure to eat right. It is best to make rice, white meat and fish the basis of nutrition after surgery. Sutures are usually removed 10-12 days after surgery. By this time, minor physical activity is already allowed. Then life smoothly returns to normal.

What to pay attention to

Even a professional doctor cannot always foresee all the nuances, so complications are quite rare, but they do occur. What should you be wary of after dogs have been sterilized? Estrus is nonsense for a sterile bitch, but such phenomena do occur. This suggests that the operation was carried out with some violations. An ultrasound of the abdominal cavity is necessary so that conclusions can be drawn about the pet’s condition and the necessary further treatment. Sometimes another phenomenon occurs: a sterile bitch continues to breed. This also indicates the unprofessionalism of the doctor who performed the operation. Therefore, before entrusting the life and health of your pet to doctors, collect reviews about doctors and clinics, weigh the pros and cons, and only then draw conclusions.

Even if the dogs were successfully sterilized, care after the operation must be thoughtful and thorough. Insufficient attention to the pet during the rehabilitation period can negate all the efforts of the surgeon. The owner should know what symptoms to consult a doctor for, how to speed up the recovery process, and what behavior of the dog after sterilization is considered normal.

Abdominal surgery under deep anesthesia is a serious test for the body. In order not to undermine your pet’s health, you need to write down the doctor’s recommendations and follow them exactly, not trusting the advice of friends. A responsible veterinarian will tell you everything about caring for your dog after sterilization, based on your specific case. The article provides only general recommendations, the final word belongs to the doctor!

During anesthesia, all body functions slow down, so the dog can freeze, even if it is warm outside and indoors - you need to transport your pet in a box, on a bedding, covering the sleeping dog with a blanket. To ensure that the dog’s recovery after sterilization is not complicated by muscle pain and general weakness, the pet should be laid at home on a flat surface, on a mattress, and also covered with a blanket. Do not place the lounger in a draft, on a bed, near a radiator, or use a heating pad - heating can lead to internal bleeding.

While the dog is sleeping, it may wet itself - use absorbent diapers and change them regularly so that your pet does not freeze. Switch your dog from side to side every half hour to reduce the risk of pulmonary edema and avoid numbness in the limbs.

During the period of anesthetic sleep, caring for the dog after sterilization is reduced to observation. It is important that your breathing and heart rate are smooth, without interruptions. A good sign is the presence of reactions to stimuli (if you tickle, the dog withdraws its paw or ear). The absence of reactions means that the level of the drug for induction of anesthesia is still quite high, and the pet will not come to its senses soon.

To prevent sterilization of dogs from leading to sore throats and sore eyes during the postoperative period, you should moisturize the mucous membranes every half hour: drops of “Artificial Tears” in the eyes and a few drops of water on the cheek. But if the dog is already regaining consciousness, changes position during sleep, reacts to touch, or if the surgeon has treated the tailed patient’s eyelids with gel, these precautions are unnecessary.

Many owners do not know what to do after sterilizing a dog if the pet’s condition worsens. If signs of illness are noticeable, you should urgently contact a veterinarian without trying to help your pet yourself! In rare cases, after anesthesia, pulmonary edema develops, respiratory and cardiovascular functions are impaired, which can be noticed by the following symptoms:

uneven breathing, intermittent, heavy, the dog breathes with an open mouth. You can hear wheezing, squelching and gurgling in the chest;

temperature is more than 1 degree above or below normal. A slight (half a degree) decrease in temperature during anesthesia and a slight increase in temperature during the first two days after anesthesia are considered normal;

the heart beats frequently or rarely, intermittently. The mucous membranes are very pale or bluish. A short, slight trembling is considered normal, but if it does not go away within half an hour or turns into convulsions, consult a doctor immediately.

Often, recovery after sterilization of a dog, or more precisely, after recovery from anesthesia, is mentally exhausting for the owner. The dog, having already woken up, but still under the influence of the drug, looks very weak - it staggers, bumps into corners, freezes for a long time in one position, looks strange, and slowly reacts to the voice. Sometimes a dog’s behavior changes dramatically after sterilization: panic, aggression are possible, the pet crawls under the bed, does not allow itself to be touched, and does not recognize family members. This is all normal, don’t be alarmed. You need to wait until motor functions and other reflexes are fully restored: calm your pet, sit next to her, caress her - let her sleep or just lie down.

If the dog does not allow you to approach him (in extremely rare cases, deep anesthesia causes hallucinations, which does not require treatment), there is no need to insist: close all the cracks where the pet can crawl, and leave it alone, observing the behavior and condition of the pet from the outside. .

Report any changes in behavior or any symptoms of illness to your veterinarian immediately. Do not hesitate to bother the doctor by calling - consultations during the postoperative period are included in the cost of the procedure.

Read also: Sterilization of dogs: pros and cons

Seams: processing and other precautions

If, after castration, stitches rarely bother a male dog, then with females it is more complicated. Some doctors prescribe painkillers right away, others only when necessary. This need occurs if:

the owner knows that the dog does not tolerate pain well. You need to inform your doctor about this in advance;

the owner notices that rehabilitation after sterilization of the dog is complicated by severe pain. For example, a pet whines during defecation, moves with caution, whines during sudden movements, and gnaws furiously at the seam.

The use of painkillers can significantly speed up the recovery process, since, in pain, the dog is reluctant to move and constantly damages the suture with its teeth. In addition, many veterinarians prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the risk of inflammation. Do not neglect the recommendations, referring to the words of friends: “but we didn’t stuff the dog with anything!”

Whether suture treatment will be required after a dog is spayed depends on the type of suture material, the method of suturing, and the method of postoperative treatment. Those. in each specific case, drugs are prescribed only by a doctor. If the veterinarian said that there is no need to treat the suture, but the owner notices that the wound takes a long time to heal or suddenly becomes inflamed (swelling, redness, rash, discharge of any color), a second consultation is required. The seam after sterilization of the dog should be dry, without any crusts or ulcers, without scratching or other signs of inflammation. Normally, changes for the better are noticeable every day.

To protect the seam from bacteria and various mechanical damage, you will need a blanket for the dog after sterilization. Usually the dog is given to the owners already in a blanket, but one is not enough - the thin, breathable material quickly gets dirty and wet. It is advisable to change the bandage once a day, putting a clean and always ironed (even if it is new) blanket on your pet. There is no need to remove the blanket when processing the seam; just untie a few ribbons and move the material to the side.