Everything You Need To Know About Sterilizing Your Dog
What is sterilization?
Come on, we’ve all heard about what sterilisation’s for. Your friend’s girlfriend’s sister’s best friend probably did that to her dog – And why shouldn’t she? Ever see those videos of poor strays with their pregnant bellies hanging low and having to endure a difficult birth all by herself in a filthy gutter? It’s probably for the best.
Not only does it keep your pooch’s health top notch, but it’s the sure-fire way to prevent her from an array of illnesses such as uterine cancer (for females) and testicular tumours (in males). Let me assure you though, it does not hurt. Your little gem won’t be put through any kind of suffering. Though some may think such processes are ‘going against nature’, but I’m more than certain that about most of the world’s population have seen repulsive viral videos such as pet owners flinging day-old puppies into the river to avoid an ‘overcrowding’ situation. Please folks, that’s just wrong.
First time dog owners: What to expect
There’s a high chance your pups, be it male or female, they’d probably gain a hell load of weight. But be nice, dogs have feelings too. (Psst: I’d probably hold back on the ‘you got fat’ comments!) Seriously though, my advice would be to bring your dogs on frequent walks, and adjusting their food intake might be helpful in keeping their weight under control. That means no more under-the-table-feeding! Yes, I’m looking at you. These little fluff balls can undergo sterilisation when they’re as young as 6 months; even full-blooded grown dogs are elligible for the procedure too!
The different sterilisation methods
For those with deeper pockets and bigger budgets, you might want to try laser-sterilisation. A CO2 surgical laser is used instad of the traditional scalpel, and is advertised for its pin-point precision and complete elimination of any bruising and tearing of tissue, effectively translating to: Less scarring, less bruising and less pain. OR, you could opt for the traditional cut-remove-stitch procedure with the good ole’ scalpel. Naturally, there are pros and cons to every procedure, and there’s no guarantee that the laser-sterilisation would result in faster healing times. Afterall, every surgery differs with each separate pup.
My advice? Consult your vet. Take your time finding out as much as you can about how he/she would be conducting the procedure, and for the love of God, bring a poop bag and some scooby snacks. With that long a chat, little Scooby’s bound to get restless. I know mine did, he even threatened to play dead if I didn’t leave the vet’s office soon, no joke. Naturally (and this is somewhat of a no-brainer), MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENTS. Please don’t just show up at the clinic expecting the vet to start sawing away at your pet’s genitals. You’d be surprised how many people I find waiting glassy-eyed in Mount Pleasant waiting rooms, whistling their way to an appointment rejection. Make your appointments.
Key questions for your vet
- Does my pet qualify for the procedure?
- What are the different steps of the procedure?
- What will my little (Insert your little angel’s name here) be put through? Will there be any post-procedure pain?
- Which surgery method would you recommend?
- Aftercare: How would I look after my pet?
- Will I receive a sterilisation license?
Post-sterilisation
Yes, your once active and engaging charming Don Juan of a pup will probably be tired. He’d be lazy. He’d be lethargic, and he’d be drowsy. He’d probably even be shivering! My pup was shivering so badly that I thought he was given the wrong medication, and was worry-stricken. But breathe, he’s normal. They’re probably in a state of shock and daze, still ridden with post-surgery pain and laden with meds. Be patient, all wounds heal, and little scooby will too.
Nevertheless, do note these BIG DON’TS for your pet, and abide by them as faithfully as Barney Stinston abided by his Bro Bible.
- Thou shall not shower
- Thou shall not exercise
- Thou shall not over-exert oneself with large movements
- Thou shall remain passive and inactive for the following 2 weeks
- Thou shall not eat neither food nor water the day after the surgery, lest risking stomach complications
- Thou shall look out for excessive fluid discharge from the wound (Bad sign!)
- Thou shall observe for swelling and unnatural redness around the suture line (Another bad sign!)
Aftercare is indeed tedious, but do it for your pup. And hey, if all goes well, you’d have your happy pup back in no time, only 4kg heavier.