How Long Can Dog Eat Dry Food After Spay?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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As we mentioned, loss of appetite after surgery is common, but not ideal. Typically speaking, your dog can go

up to 24 hours

without a meal without any adverse side effects.

What can I feed my dog after spaying?

Feed Your Dog Properly

Your dog’s veterinarian may recommend feeding your dog something like

boiled hamburger meat

. Do not season any foods that you prepare for your pet, as this could cause an upset stomach. Only feed your dog the foods that the veterinarian recommends.

Can I give my female dog food after she got spayed?

Do not change your pet’s diet or give special treats for a few days. There will still be anesthesia in their system and you do not want to cause them an upset stomach.

You may feed them their regular diet

. Your pet will be ready for food when you get home, but you should feed a smaller meal than normal.

Can I take the cone off my dog after 7 days?

A cone should stay on for about a week while your dog is healing. “

Usually about seven to 10 days is all you need

,” Ochoa says. The cone needs to stay on the entire time the dog is healing, especially if you won’t be around to watch her.

What should I watch after my dog is spayed?

  • Refusing food.
  • Discharge, blood, or swelling at the surgical site.
  • Sluggishness or collapse.
  • Changes in breathing rate.
  • Pale gums.
  • Vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Straining to pee or poop.
  • Unable to pee.

Where should a dog sleep after being spayed?

Make sure you place your dog in

a quiet place, in dim light

, during the recovery process. The bed must be comfortable and the room temperature should be pleasant. If you have other pets at home or children, keep them away from your dog.

Can my dog jump on the couch after being spayed?

After your dog has had her spay surgery,

you’ll need to keep her from jumping for approximately 10-14 days

. This is the time that the incision needs to heal properly. Jumping can cause the stitches to rip open early, and they will need to be re-done at the vet, not to mention causing more healing problems.

Is loss of appetite normal after spay?

In general, lack of appetite, vomiting, or depression are related to anesthesia and

may be normal following surgery

. After 24 hours, any one of these symptoms may indicate a problem. Check the incision daily for excessive swelling, redness, oozing, or separation.

Does it hurt a dog to poop after being spayed?


It is possible that it can hurt a dog to poop after being spayed because that area of their body is susceptible as it has just recently been cut into

. Although, it should not be overly painful for them to try to poop. If anything, it should just be a bit tender, not unbearable.

Can I bathe my dog 10 days after spay?


Avoid bathing or soaking stitches for 10 -14 days after surgery

. Avoid manipulating the incision areas or contaminating with water or detergent. Work gently to pat dry or clean around the incision.

How long should my dog wear the cone after spay?

You should keep a dog’s cone on for

at least 10 days

after surgery. While by day five it can be taken off for short periods (while you are directly supervising your dog), it’s best to leave it on around the clock. As the wound heals, your dog will become itchier in the wound’s region.

Can I put a shirt on my dog instead of a cone?

If your pet struggles with the cone, there is actually a pretty easy DIY alternative to keep your furry friend comfortable while they recover at home.

You can make your pet a “jacket” out of an old T-shirt, and it can cover wounds or scars just like the cone.

Should you take dog cone off at night?


You should not take a dog’s cone off at night

. If you do take the cone off when your dog is sleeping, it could wake up and irritate the wound leading to infection and the possibility of further surgery.

How do I keep my dog from licking stitches without a cone?

Alternatives to the “cone of shame” are

inflatable collars, soft E-collars and neck brace collars

. Try covering the wound with soft fabric secured by medical tape to prevent licking. Keep pets busy with other fun things to distract them from licking wounds.

How long does it take for dog stitches to dissolve after spay?

Keep Incision Dry

Dogs and female cats have internal sutures that provide strength to the tissue as they heal; these will dissolve after

approximately four months

. Surgical glue has also been applied to the skin to seal the incision against bacterial penetration.

What can I use instead of a dog cone?

  • Soft Collars.
  • Flexible Fabric E-Collars.
  • Inflatable E-Collars.
  • Onesies or Clothing.

Should I crate my dog after spaying?


Your pet needs to be kept in an indoor crate/ kennel for most of the day and night for the next 10 days

. The time of highest risk for the sutures breaking down is 3-5 days after surgery.

Can dog walk up stairs after spay?

The first week after your dog is spayed or neutered is the critical week where you want to make sure your dog is not playing rough or running or jumping.

A few days after the procedure, it is probably OK to involve your pup in controlled leash walks

– this includes walking up and down the stairs.

Why is my dog so sleepy after spaying?


It’s completely normal for your dog to be quieter than normal when she returns home after her spay

. She may cry or moan a little, and might just feel like sleeping. It’s important to let her rest, keeping her still will be essential for an uneventful recovery.

Why is my dog whining so much after spay?

The whining is

due to the anesthetic drugs given for surgery

, these drugs can cause your dog/cat to be confused and disoriented (dysphoric). We expect this behavior (as frustrating as it can be) for the next 12 to 24 hours as the anesthetic drugs wear off.

Can my dog sleep in my bed after spay?

Generally speaking,

you should keep them rested for a few days after surgery

, making sure they don’t make any extended movements like jumping onto a sofa, up the stairs, into the car, or onto the bed (if they’re allowed!). Off lead exercise usually needs to be avoided until the dog’s wounds have fully healed.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.