10 Warning Signs After Spaying (or Neutering) Your Dog

What to watch out for after neutering/spaying

Neutering involves surgically removing a male dog's testicles, while spaying is the removal of a female dog's ovaries and uterus. After the procedure, watch out for excessive swelling, discharge, difficulty urinating, signs of pain, or if the incision site reopens.

Typically, in the first 24 hours after neutering or spaying, your dog will be drowsy due to the effects of anesthesia. This drowsiness is normal and should subside within a day. It’s also common for your dog to have a reduced appetite during this time. 

However, by day 3, your dog should begin to recover more noticeably. The grogginess will fade, and your dog will start to regain energy; its appetite should also return to normal, and its overall demeanor will improve.  

Keeping your dog’s activity levels low during this recovery phase is important to avoid straining the surgical site. Additionally, the incision site should be monitored regularly for any signs of infection. As the saying goes, early detection saves lives. 

In this article, we share the warning signs to watch for during your dog's recovery period after spaying or neutering.

Warning signs after spaying/neutering your dog

1. Excessive swelling or redness

Some swelling is expected after spaying, but excessive or increasing swelling can indicate an infection or internal bleeding, particularly if it's accompanied by pain or redness.

2. Discharge of pus from the incision or foul odor

Any discharge (especially if it's yellow, green, or pus-like) or a foul smell from the incision site is a sign of infection. Look out for abnormal discharge from the vulva for female dogs or the penis and scrotal sac for male dogs.

3. Persistent bleeding from the incision

Persistent or heavy bleeding from the incision area is a serious concern and could indicate internal bleeding or an infection.

4. Fatigue or weakness

It’s normal for your dog to be a bit tired or groggy after surgery. However, a long duration of fatigue, extreme weakness, or difficulty standing can signal a problem, especially if paired with other warning signs.

5. Loss of appetite

A reduced appetite for the first day is normal. Regardless, if your dog refuses to eat for more than 24 hours, especially if accompanied by vomiting, it can be a sign of infection or another postoperative complication.

6. Vomiting or diarrhea

Persistent vomiting (Emesis) or diarrhea, particularly if it contains blood, requires urgent attention. It could be a sign that a hernia obstructs part of the digestive system.

7. Involuntary passing of urine or defecating

Urinary incontinence (passing urine involuntarily), pain during urination, or difficulty defecating can indicate inflammation or infection in the urinary tract or around the surgical area. 

Another warning sign of an infection is if your dog drinks more water than usual and urinates more frequently.

8. Excessive pain or sensitivity

Spaying or neutering a dog is painful, but medications are administered to minimize pain. However, if your dog is still experiencing severe pain and is whining, yelping, or trembling after the first 3 days, it might be a sign of an infection. 

For instance, sensitivity to touch or signs of discomfort in the abdomen can be a sign of peritonitis, an infection of the abdominal lining. Other times, the excessive pain could be due to a hernia post-surgery.

9. Breathing problems

A faster-than-normal breathing rate, labored breathing, coughing, or wheezing can indicate a reaction to anesthesia, pain, fever, or an infection after surgery.

10. Behavioral changes

If your dog is unusually aggressive, confused, or extremely anxious, it could be a sign of pain or other complications.

Male signs of infection after neutering

In addition to the general signs of infection after neutering, a male dog can also experience

• Excessive swelling of the scrotum.
• Large or worsening bruises around the scrotum.
• Persistent bleeding from the incision site.
• Fever (like fatigue, loss of appetite, or shivering).
• Redness or irritation of the scrotal area.

Female signs of infection after spaying

In addition to the general signs of infection, a female dog can exhibit these signs if an infection occurs after spaying.

• Unusual discharge from the vulva.
• Signs of discomfort, sensitivity, or pain in the abdominal area.
• Abdominal hernia.
• Decreased activity level or reluctance to move.
• Abdominal bloating.

See your vet if you’re worried

After spaying or neutering your dog, it's important to monitor for any warning signs that might indicate complications. Typically, recovery takes 10 to 14 days, and your dog needs extra attention until its body heals completely.

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any signs of infection or are worried about an unusual symptom. Early intervention can prevent serious complications and ensure your dog recovers smoothly.