Keep pet indoors after surgery.

This will help you carefully watch them tonight to make sure they do not have any problems related to the surgery. Stray or feral cats should be kept in their carrier overnight; check that the cat is fully recovered before releasing it.

Allow rest.

Your pet may be groggy when you get home, experiencing a “hang-over” from the anesthesia. Your pet will typically require up to 24 hours to recover from the general anesthesia. Most animals will be back to normal when the anesthesia leaves their system entirely.

Limit food and water.

Sometime anesthesia can cause nausea. To minimize stomach problems or vomiting, limit food after surgery. Feed 1/2 the amount of food you normally offer your pet. If your pet is not eating by the next day, please call 619 507-3907. Puppies and kittens under 3 months should be provided the 1/4 portion every 2 hours and resume regular eating the next day.

Check surgery site/e-collars.

You should check the surgery site (incision) at LEAST TWICE A DAY until healed. A small amount of bloody discharge or swelling is normal immediately after surgery. If you notice any continued discharge, redness or swelling, contact SNAP at 619-272-4863. If you can, send a picture to medicalquestions@snap-sandiego.org. Please note: DO NOT wait several days to call regarding concerns. If your pet was sent home with an e-collar or you purchased one, it is important to leave the e-collar on for AT LEAST 7 days for males and 10 days for females.

Keep surgery site clean and dry.

No bathing or swimming! Do not allow the incision to get wet for at least 14 days after surgery. If the incision becomes dirty, gently clean the area with warm water.

Limit activity for the next few days.

Do NOT allowing running, jumping or rough play. Short walks on a leash only.

Keep adult males and females separate for one week after surgery.

Male dogs can still impregnate females for a short period of time after surgery. Females can NOT get pregnant, but can incur serious injury from mounting by males after surgery.

No aspirin, Tylenol, or other pain relief medication!

DO NOT give any Aspirin or Tylenol to dogs or cats for pain relief unless PRESCRIBED BY A VETERINARIAN. Tylenol is toxic to animals and aspirin can be deadly if given after surgery.

No sutures need to be removed.

You will NOT need to return for suture removal. While internal sutures are holding the incision closed the external incision is closed with skin glue. This glue can be removed if it gets wet or an animal licks it off. These sutures are absorbable and usually dissolve within 6-12 months.


DISCLOSURE:

SNAP is NOT responsible for post-­operative issues. We will always be happy to provide no charge recheck exams when there are clinics in session. Additional medications may be your responsibility. Any negligence to follow these instructions will not be covered.

Congratulations on helping your pet live a healthy, happier life by getting spayed or neutered!

Downloadable Instructions:

Printable PDFs:
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Questions?

Non-emergencies:

Please leave us a message! 

Call 866 SPAY BUS or 866 772-9287 (ext 3). Please speak clearly and slowly, leave your name, your pet’s name, the nature of your call, the date and location of the surgery and a phone number. If you can, send a picture to medicalquestions@snap-sandiego.org.
» NOTE: This is NOT a 24-hour emergency phone line.

EMERGENCIES:

If your pet needs immediate medical attention, contact your veterinarian and/or your nearest emergency veterinary facility immediately.

After your emergency has been resolved, please contact SNAP to follow-up.