How to Bathe a Dog After Neutering
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Introduction
Typically after a neutering, your veterinarian will request that you not bathe your dog for 10-14 days post-surgery. You will need to keep your dog’s stitches dry to keep them in place and prevent infection in the surgical incision. But if you have a dog who feels well and still manages to get filthy post-surgery, bathing might be on the top of your list. So just how can you care for your dog who feels well enough to play and get dirty but shouldn't get wet? There are things you can do to get your dog clean after a neutering surgery.
Dog's Perspective
Most dogs will typically be pretty groggy for a few days after a neutering procedure. Some dogs, on the other hand, are eager to get up and start playing. If your dog is one of the eager ones, be sure you're watching him closely, so he does not tear his incision. If he’s managed to feel well enough to get dirty, he should be well enough to get clean with some precautions.
When your dog is ready for a full bath, why not book a Grooming service with a Pet Caregiver near you?
The Spray Down Method
The Spot Clean Method
Caution & Considerations
- Always follow your veterinarian's instructions when it comes to post-surgical care.
- Your veterinarian may request that your dog wear a cone or an Elizabethan collar to keep his mouth off of the incision.
- The newer neutering surgeries are easier today than they once were, but your dog still needs to remain relaxed for several days.
- Most veterinarians will recommend the dog to not have a bath for about 10 days.
- Your veterinarian may also ask you to restrain your dog from extraneous activities such as running or jumping to keep the incision clean and to prevent tearing.
- Your dog's incision site will be fairly sensitive. If you have to wipe down or brush your dog, be cautious of this tender skin.
- Be sure to look for signs of infection, such as a red and swollen incision site or red lines on the skin coming off of the incision.
- Your dog may need to wear an Elizabethan collar for some time to keep him away from the incision. If this doesn't work out for you or your dog, ask your veterinarian for other ideas such as having your dog wear a t-shirt.
- Do not apply anything to the incision site unless directed to do so by your veterinarian.
Conclusion
Even if your dog is no longer intact, keep your relationship with your best bud intact by taking special care for the first few weeks after he has the surgery. Unless he absolutely needs a bath, wait until his sutures have been removed or have been dissolved and the incision is healing properly.
Once your dog is fully healed and your vet has given the OK, treat your pup to a pamper session and book a Grooming service with a Pet Caregiver near you.
Success Stories and Grooming Questions
Grooming Questions & Answers
Bear
Newbie dog owners. It’s been 8 days since we had bear neutered. We plan to wait the full 2 weeks as instructed as far as giving him a bath. We have had him since March.
My question. He is a short haired dog. But boy oh boy is he shedding bad. Is there anything that can be done to help this.
Also if you do raw. You can always add to the raw as a topper like your own vegetables and fruits. Pumpkin helps with their digestive system and cranberry helps out with their urinary tract. Goats milk helps as well. If you are wary with trying raw even tho they are related to wolves and wolves eat raw. You can try apio above they are really good it’s slow cooked non boil good with no gmo in them. Everything is organic.
Apupabove Sorry my thing has a typo
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Hi I worked at Bentley pet shop it’s a very good pet shop we sold and still sell organic items. The promise to the customers to have and give our pets long healthy lives with from the food and treats. Nothing comes from China or big chainfoods. The reason why he may be shedding is because of the diet he may be on and I know it this might be a long answer for ya but it’s mostly the food and not having enough water. Kibble doesn’t really provide anything but extra vitamin from the vegetables and they don’t provide water. Dogs need 80% water everyday. They don’t drink enough or get enough. I give my dog raw from Bentley which is just straight protein which helps give that water to them. I give my dog Vital essential freeze dried raw which is raw meat just freeze dried and they help out with shedding, stomach problems, gas, and more. Helps keep their skin and coat clean. Try searching and asking about them they are really good!