How to Care for a Dog After Spaying - Helping Your Dog Deal with the Pain

1. Give your dog the painkillers the vet gives you. As with any major surgical procedure, it is important to make sure the patient is not in pain. Most clinics use a combination of painkillers (an opioid and a non-steroidal) on the day of surgery, and send your dog home with an oral painkiller to continue taking at home.
- Keep in mind that some dogs are more sensitive and will feel more pain than others. The average length of time that pain relief is required is generally four to five days, but your dog may need more or less time.
- Do not use any unprescribed painkillers without veterinary advice.

2. Look for signs that your dog is in pain. Each dog reacts differently to pain; some become vocal and whine, while others withdraw and try to hide. General signs of discomfort are listed below:[4]:
- Restlessness: Pacing, inability to settle, and sitting down and then standing again, can all be signs of discomfort.
- Vocalization: Whining and crying. This is sometimes an attempt to get attention rather than a sign of pain. Try to avoid fussing over the dog when she cries; if she learns that you will not reward her, but continues to whine, she is probably in pain.
- Body Posture: A dog in pain often wears a "miserable" expression with tipped down ears, doleful eyes and a lowered head. Her body is often hunched and she may not be able to lie in her favorite position.
- Behavior : Some dogs change behavior when in pain, of which one example is becoming snappy or aggressive. Other dogs withdraw, as if trying to hide away from the pain.
- Not eating or drinking: Some dogs (especially Labradors) eat no matter what, but others go off their food if uncomfortable.

3. Contact your vet if you think your dog is in severe pain. If you feel you dog does not have adequate pain relief, contact the clinic. There are other painkillers, such as tramadol, which can be added to the NSAID prescription to top up her pain control.

4. Call the vet if you notice serious symptoms. Most veterinarians want to schedule a check-up between three and ten days after the operation. However, should you become concerned before this, always contact the surgery for advice. Signs to watch for include:
- Not eating or drinking after 48 hours: Your dog should be eating by now and could be in pain if she is not. Don't wait the extra day before seeking advice.
- A discharge from the wound: A healing wound is usually dry. If there is a discharge, especially blood or pus, seek advice.
- Sickness or diarrhea : Sometimes the anesthetic agents can cause tummy upsets in sensitive animals, however, in a pet that has had recent surgery, bring her to the vet if you see that she is nauseous.
- Weakness, lethargy, or a swollen tummy: If your dog seems weak and is not recovering her energy, or if her figure changes and her tummy looks swollen, seek immediate vet advice.