a little scared

[minnie mee]

I know that for health reasons it is better to get a dog fixed, but it is a little scary to do this to a female dog... Minnie Mee is getting fixed next week, and I keep worrying about it... any tips on how to keep her healthy before and after?

[TravisKR]

Yes neutering and spraying your animals is healthier in the long run, i have 3 cats and my shorkie...my 3 cats have been spayed and neutered but meika, my shorkie, hasnt yet.  My femalee cat did overally well with the spraying, i think she did better than my two males. So i assume a female dog is the same as a female cat.  If they are healthy before going into the operation, then they should be ok.. consult your veterian if you feel worried.  And BTW, as your dog been in heat yet?

[shorkiejem]

At the time of Jemma's spay she was only 4 pounds.  She also had 2 teeth pulled at the same time.  The first day she just didn't move and slept.  by 3rd day she was back to her ole self.  Your fur baby will be fine.  I was scared too!

[Mai Tai]

Minnie, not much you can do beforehand except make sure she is well hydrated and fed, as you usually would anyway.  Also make sure she fasts from the night before the surgery, as the vet will tell you.  As for after the surgery, just try to keep her quiet.  She will want to sleep most of the first day or so anyway.  Don't be scared.  Mo was just neutered and he is not four pounds yet, and he did very well.  I know males have it A LOT easier than females, but she should be just fine.  It is very normal for you to be nervous.  Let us know how it all goes.  Best of luck to you.

[Lisa]

We had Zoe spayed right at 6 months, and she was about 5.5 pounds.  She did really well.  She was sleepy from the drugs the first night, then bounced right back the next day, pestering everyone in the house.  Now I can walk her in our neighborhood, where only about 1/2 of the dogs are fenced or kept inside.  Don't worry, it will be fine.

[minnie mee]

Thank you everyone, that makes me feel better... I don't think she has been in heat (and I guess I would know, but it's probably time, soon... she will be 6 months next week.  I do remember not to feed her.  I was thinking it would take 2 weeks to recover, and I was so worried about leaving her alone. Now it doesn't sound so bad!

[brenlynn]

Roxy was very sleepy later in the day when we picked her up from the vet and you could tell she was in pain. The day after she did a lot of sleeping. 2 days later she was jumping all over the place, giving me a heart attack! But, she was fine. The younger you get it done, I think the easier it is for them to recover too. I am sure she will be fine!!!

[minnie mee]

I am feeling a bit better, but I also have three questions... do you know how long the operation takes?  I am leaving her at 9am.  Also, will she have to wear the "cone of shame" or is it bandaged up or something?  And finally, do the stitches just fall out or do I bring her to have them removed?  (I suppose some of this my vet will tell me, but I want at least to be prepared...)

Thanks... poor minnie...

[TravisKR]

Im not quite sure on what they willl do at your vet, and i havent had a female dog done yet but i had my female cat spayed and she has to be shaven on her stomach, and her stitches fell out by their selves..not sure how it goes for dogs, i assum ethe same!! keep us updated on how it goes!

[brenlynn]

when we brought roxy in for her surgery it was around the same time of day... i think we got her back around 3pm or so. i am sure that depends on the vet, though. they really only need the cone if they pick at their stitches. my dog really never picked at or licked her stitches, so she didn't need one. they don't bandage it or anything - from my experience anyway. just keep a close eye on her and if she is starting to pick at the site, tell her no. if she continues then you may have to do the cone. they usually have you make a follow up appointment so they can check the healing of the surgical site and to remove any stitches if nessecary.

[Char]

Rayne was spayed right at 6 months and weighed only 3 lbs.  She did absolutely wonderful.  The vet I went to keeps them overnight and also takes the stitches out in about 10 days.  I guess it depends on the vet.  I droppped her off around 9 and was able to call about her around noon. I did have to keep myself extra busy that day and made sure I fell into bed exhausted! I didn't have to much trouble with her licking the stitches.  The vet recommended a t-shirt (make sure it's long enough)rather than a cone. Hope this helps!

[minnie mee]

What a great idea about the t-shirt!  I would never have thought of that... she has lots of outfits, so I will pick one out.  Thank you everyone... we are going in half an hour...