restrictions after neutering

[FenrisUlfr]

We just got Fenris neutered at 5 1/2 months. The vet was pushing really hard (from when he was 12 weeks!) and so was spouse; I wasn't so confident and this post probably reflects that to some extent.

He's really draggy, listless and lethargic, which it seems is pretty normal for the first couple of days after neutering. But our instructions from the vet are to keep him from running anywhere for the next two weeks. Any time he goes outside, he has to be on a short leash. No walks for at least four days. No fetch and no tug for two weeks.

...Is this normal?? I want to give him the best care possible, but I'm worried that he's going to start losing it if he can't get any exercise or play for two weeks! If he starts trying to play with anything in the house (running or jumping at all), I'm supposed to stop him. I understand that it's surgery and I want to take good care of him, but this seems so very severe and I'm pretty unhappy that I wasn't told this before it was done. I asked about restrictions when I scheduled the surgery and was just told that I shouldn't take him running with me if I jog or bike. (I don't do that, of course, since he's a baby and I'll wait till he's older and his hips have been x-rayed before we do that.) I would have waited for months, maybe not done it at all, if I'd realized that I was putting my very active puppy on the equivalent of bed rest.

So: Is this the standard set of restrictions? And if so, what on earth am I supposed to do with him for the next two weeks so that he's not neglected and bored? Normally we play, go for walks, and run around!

[jakesfostermom]

You know - most of us here have had at least one of our dogs neutered or spayed so we can totally relate to your concerns about 'what to do with an active dog' for two weeks. I have a vet who believes that the dog can return to a pretty normal routine, as soon as they feel like it, with me limiting the jumping, tugging and overly involved play for the first couple of weeks and that is to allow those internal organs/layers of skin a chance to properly heal and not tear or pull anything apart inside. Most vets now use the suture that doesn't require a revisit to remove, so most of us don't have to go back with our dogs unless there is a problem. I think you can go on short controlled leash walks with your puppy and in a confined space, such as a small bedroom or office, allow him to have access in that area, with a great nylabone, bully stick or similar to help pass the time. It won't be long and it's really a short period when compared to 10-12 full years of companionship ahead of you. It's really no different than if you or I had some surgery requiring full sedation and sutures. We would be limited to 10 days or so to the amount we could lift, the activities we could participate in, etc.......it's for the well-being of your boy :)

As far as the lingering affects of the surgery/sedation - it does take a couple days for them to return to their spunky self (I think each dog is a bit different) - but that's when the work begins for you, since they feel great, have lots of energy - and look to you for 'what to do'......best wishes to your boy as he recovers :) My guys send their sympathies ;)

[moz205]

Ahhh, I am dreading my poor pup being neutered. I think it will be difficult for him not to run or play ball, his favorite thing! He is 10 mo and I am trying to wait although my vet said it would be fine to get him done soon. I will also have him microchipped at the same time as my vet won't do it without sedation. I will be the nervous mother hen with him after this surgery. Do they need any sedation, pain meds or just keep things low key for 10 days or so? I also have a feeling he won't be as fond of his vet after this!

[spidey]

That seems excessive to me, personally, but if that's what your vet says, that's what you should do. I neutered my adult male Nottweiler (which is a bigger deal than with a puppy) and we missed one week of agility class and had reduced exercise for 7 days, that's it.

Remember to reduce the dog's food to make up for the lack of exercise, and make the food he DOES get more challenging (put it in a frozen Kong or Buster cube or Molecuball so he has to think and work to get it). Add fiber to the diet (canned pumpkin is good) to keep him from getting constipated from the reduced food and inactivity.

I would definitely use the pain meds, they help with swelling and they also often sedate the dog just enough that he'd rather sleep than fuss around. This dog is the first I've used pain meds with and I will never make a dog go through surgery without again, unless it's in the dog's best interests. This dog's recovery was faster and much less stressful than any other dog I've fixed, and I think that's at least partly because of the pain meds.

[FenrisUlfr]

Fenris has pain meds that we're supposed to start giving him tomorrow. They were optional, but of course I got them. I think we have 4 days' worth? He had it done today and he's been sleeping a whole lot. I keep wanting to wake him up to make sure he's okay, but I'm resisting.

[moz205]

Awwww, I feel so sorry for him! It's best that a side effect of the anesthesia is sleep I guess. Hopefully, the worst is already over and he slept through it. LOL, I'm not even a male and if it were hubby, don't think I would feel quite as bad!

[Dallasbaby]

Please follow your vet's instructions. The activity restrictions are what your pet needs at this time to heal properly. Sometimes too much activity can cause a seroma around the incision site, which is basically fluid build up/swelling. You don't want that to happen. Your vet gives you discharge instructions for a reason. Since the surgery was today, he will probably want to sleep alot. Tomorrow, he may wake up and feel great! In the past I have filled a kong with cottage cheese or peanut butter and give to my post-operative dogs. It worked to keep them occupied for awhile. The next two weeks will go by fast.

[brunie's mom]

Originally Posted by FenrisUlfr

Fenris has pain meds that we're supposed to start giving him tomorrow. They were optional, but of course I got them. I think we have 4 days' worth? He had it done today and he's been sleeping a whole lot. I keep wanting to wake him up to make sure he's okay, but I'm resisting.

I've had numerous dogs neutered...my own and many foster dogs (all older), and have never had a dog that needed two weeks of inactivity.

Also never been given pain pills to give to a dog after a spay or neuter either. It's good if the dog is a bit uncomfortable...it helps them to stay quiet.
Don't let the pup..jump or run..take him out for relieving himself on a leash around the yard...and once the stitches are out or the wound is healed (usually a week to 10 days) you can go back to normal, gentle activity with him.

A neuter on a young pup of that age is a very, quick and simple operation...a spay is much more invasive.

Gina

Gina