Author TB Thompson DVM has been a licensed, practicing veterinarian since 2000.
It’s hard to keep active dogs calm after their spay surgery.
Occasionally, our dog patients jump so much after being spayed they break the sutures. It’s easy to tell there’s a problem if a gap forms in the skin suture line. But it’s harder to tell when the body wall sutures break.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what to look for if your dog is too active after her spay and when to see a vet. We’ll also give you some tips on how to keep a hyperactive dog calm after surgery.
KEY POINTS
- Jumping in the first 30 days after a dog has spay surgery can break the sutures holding the incision closed.
- See a vet immediately if you notice gaps in the skin incision, swelling under the skin or bleeding from the area.
- Crate confinement, sedatives and distraction with treat toys can keep your dog from over-exertion during spay recovery.
What to Look for if Your Dog Jumped After Being Spayed
After your dog jumps post-spay, you should inspect her incision closely. Take the dog to a brightly lit area or use a flashlight. Have someone help you distract the dog while you look at the spay site.
Initially, the incision site might appear normal, but check it carefully since there can be damage under the skin, too. Here are the key things to check:
- Gap in the Skin: Inspect the incision for any openings or gaps in the skin incision.
- Lumps, Soft Areas or Protrusions: Gently feel around the incision for any unusual lumps or soft spots, indicating potential issues under the skin. Look for any tissue protruding from the skin incision.
- Redness and Swelling: Look from red skin and swelling of the skin or under the skin.
- Discharge: A little clear or blood-tinged fluid from the surgery site is normal after surgery. However, you should not see pus, lots of blood or more than a few drops of fluid.
- Pain or Sensitivity: It’s normal for the surgical site to be sore. We don’t expect the dog to react with severe pain when the area is touched.
Remember, it’s normal for the area to be a bit red and puffy post-surgery, but any major changes warrant immediate attention from your vet.
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Why Jumping After a Spay Is Dangerous
Dogs need to rest after surgery to heal properly. Spaying involves careful stitching at multiple sites – there are sutures to close internal blood vessels, the body wall and the skin.
After spay surgery, the body wall sutures are most at risk of breakage from overactivity. These stitches are under direct stress during vigorous activities like jumping.
If body wall or skin stitches are strained or torn, it can lead to complications. Fortunately, post-spay complications are relatively uncommon. (1) Still, understanding the risks can help you gauge the urgency of your dog’s situation and decide the next best steps for her care.
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When to See a Veterinarian
If you notice any of the changes in the list above, you should seek veterinary care. If the spay incision has come open or has significant swelling, bleeding or pain seek emergency vet care.
If any part of the spay incision has come open, wrap a clean towel snugly around her waist to cover the incision. Use packing tape or duct tape all the way around her waist, over the towel to secure it.
Take your dog to your regular vet clinic or an emergency clinic right away. Have someone ride with you to keep the dog from overactivity during transport.
These actions might be overkill if it’s only the skin that has opened, but it’s better to do too much than too little.
What Really Happens When a Dog Jumps After a Spay?
In my 20+ years as a vet, I’ve noticed that most dogs recover smoothly from spay surgeries.
Spay surgery complications are usually minor. Issues include suture reactions, which look like small, firm lumps under the skin, sometimes with redness or slight pus discharge. These often resolve naturally, though some require treatment.
Another common problem is the formation of seromas, or pockets of fluid that form in reaction to suture material. These usually resolve in time without any treatment.
Excessive licking can cause skin incisions to become inflamed or even open up. Having your dog wear an e-collar can prevent problems like this.
Rarely, I’ve encountered dogs with both skin and body wall incisions open, risking organ protrusion. Prompt surgical intervention has successfully treated nearly all such cases.
How to Keep a Hyperactive Dog Calm After a Spay
Managing a hyperactive dog after spaying can be challenging, especially when they need to stay calm for 14 days. Here’s a table of effective strategies to help:
| Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Crate Rest | If your dog is used to a crate, it can be a safe space to limit activity post-surgery. Plan ahead and get her used to it a few weeks before surgery. |
| Kong Toys with Frozen Food | Fill a Kong toy with a mixture of wet and dry dog food and freeze it. It can keep your pup busy and calm for a long time. |
| Calming Music | Play music specially designed for dogs, like “Through a Dog’s Ear.” It really can help keep your dog calm. |
| Calming Supplements | Over-the-counter supplements like Composure Chews contain L-theanine, known for its calming effects. |
| Prescription Sedatives | For extremely active dogs, consult your vet for prescription sedatives like trazodone or acepromazine. You might want to have some on hand as soon as you bring your dog home. |
Remember, each dog is unique, so what works for one might not work for another. Engaging your dog’s mind without overstimulating her body is key.
Always consult your vet before giving any supplements or sedatives
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In Closing
Monitoring your dog post-spay is important for a smooth recovery. But dogs don’t always follow their discharge instructions!
If you notice any concerning signs or need peace of mind, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian. Remember, a little extra caution goes a long way in making sure your pup has a speedy recovery.
