Deciding to spay or neuter your dog is a significant step for any pet owner. At Eola Point Animal Hospital, your veterinarian in Aurora, IL, we want to ensure you have all the information needed to prepare for your dog’s surgery and recovery. This guide covers everything you should do before and after this routine procedure to support your dog’s health.

Schedule a Pre-Op Exam

A pre-operative exam allows our veterinary team to assess your dog’s health and determine if they’re cleared for surgery. We’ll check vitals, perform blood work if needed, and confirm that vaccinations are current. Please inform us of any conditions or medications that could affect your dog’s surgery. Additionally, we’ll discuss a pain management plan to keep your dog comfortable after the procedure.

Withhold Food and Water

To prevent vomiting and other complications during surgery, we recommend withholding food from your dog after midnight the night before the procedure. Water can typically be available until the morning of surgery. This fasting period helps ensure your dog’s safety under anesthesia. Let us know about any medications your dog takes so we can advise you on when to give the last dose before surgery.

Drop-Off on Surgery Day

On the day of surgery, check in at our animal hospital in the morning. Bring along any medications your dog requires, as well as any specific instructions from our veterinary team. Our dedicated staff will ensure your dog is comfortable and prepared for the operating room. We use safe anesthetic protocols and closely monitor all patients throughout the procedure. Most spay and neuter surgeries take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on your dog’s size and health.

Pick-Up and Post-Op Care

After surgery, you’ll pick up your dog in the evening once they’ve recovered from anesthesia. We’ll provide detailed at-home care instructions, including how to administer pain medication, monitor the incision site, and limit physical activity during recovery. Most dogs are back to their normal selves within 7 to 10 days. Please follow up with us if you observe any unusual behaviors, such as lethargy, changes in appetite, or vomiting.

Schedule Your Appointment With Our Veterinarians in Aurora, IL

Spaying or neutering provides many health and behavioral benefits for your dog, with pregnancy prevention being a top reason owners opt for this procedure. Our compassionate staff is here to guide and support you and your pet every step of the way, from pre-op planning to post-op recovery. Contact Eola Point Animal Hospital today to learn more or schedule your dog’s spay or neuter procedure with a veterinarian near you.