If you own a female dog, it is highly recommended that you have her spayed. Spaying your dog will help avoid unwanted litters of puppies, while also keeping your dog from going through heat cycles and preventing reproductive system cancers and diseases. While spaying a female dog is a very routine surgical procedure, you can expect your dog to need time to heal and recover. Thus, it is a good idea to be properly prepared to care for your dog after you pick her up from the vet and the days following her spaying. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect after your dog has been spayed:

Lethargy and Sleepiness

Since spaying is a veterinary surgical procedure, it is done under general anesthesia. After the surgery is completed, your dog will spend several hours at your vet's office where she will be closely monitored to ensure that she is stable after the procedure. However, when you pick her up and bring her home, she will most likely still be experiencing some of the effects of the anesthesia, such as lethargy and sleepiness. This is completely normal, so you should make a comfortable spot in your home where she can rest. These side effects should subside as your dog's body metabolizes the anesthesia and it wears off completely.

Lack of Appetite

In addition to making your dog lethargic and sleepy, anesthesia can also make some dogs nauseous or cause them to have an upset stomach. All dogs react differently to being spayed, but it is not uncommon for dogs to not have much of an appetite after getting home. If your dog does not want to eat a normal meal after returning home, there is no reason to worry. In most cases, a dog will regain her appetite within a few days of undergoing a spaying surgery.

Possible Aggression or Change in Temperament

After surgery, your dog's vet may prescribe pain medication to help keep your dog comfortable while she recovers from surgery and her incision heals. But, it is still possible for your dog to experience discomfort and pain in the days after surgery, which can lead to unintentional aggression or changes in her temperament. While your dog is healing and not feeling her best, it is best to keep children and other pets away from her. The best thing that you can do is ensure that she has a safe, quiet spot to herself while she recovers.