Spay4LA Post Surgery Home Care Instructions

Spay4LA Home Care Instructions

Thank you for trusting us with your pet's surgery.

Following these instructions carefully will help ensure a smooth recovery.

1. Restrict Activity (14 Days)

Activity must be restricted for 14 days after surgery.

Dogs

  • Keep your dog indoors except for short, leashed potty breaks.

  • Keep your dog quiet, clean, warm, and dry.

  • Activity can cause the incision to swell, open, and become infected.

  • We strongly recommend crate rest.

    • The crate should be just large enough for your dog to:

      • Stand up

      • Turn around while wearing the e-collar

      • Lie down comfortably

    • Your dog should not have enough room to run, jump, or play.

Cats

  • Restricting a cat's activity can be challenging.

  • We recommend keeping your cat in:

  • A quiet bedroom with: 

    • Food and water

    • A litter box

    • Away from other pets whenever possible

Cats After Anesthesia

Some cats become temporarily more sensitive after anesthesia.

You may notice:

  • Hissing or growling

  • Swatting

  • Flinching when touched

  • Hiding

  • Crying or yowling more than usual

What You Should Do

  • Give your cat a quiet place to rest with low stimulation.

  • If your cat is extremely active after arriving home, it is okay to keep them inside their carrier for 1-2 hours until they calm down.

Ask yourself:

  • Are they alert?

  • Do they respond when you speak to them?

If your cat appears severely distressed or is not improving, call or text us immediately (see phone number below).

2. Incision Care

Sutures

  • Your pet's stitches are under the skin and will dissolve on their own.

  • Some pets will also have dissolvable skin glue on their skin.

Please DO NOT

  • Bathe your pet

  • Apply ointments

  • Clean the incision

  • Allow swimming

  • for 14 days.

Important

Licking the incision can cause it to open and become infected.

Male Cats

Routine male cat neuters do not have external sutures or skin glue.

If your pet had a cryptorchid (undescended) testicle, there will be 1-2 additional incisions that contain dissolvable sutures and skin glue.

3. E-Collar (Cone)

Your pet must wear the e-collar for 14 days.

Do NOT use:

  • Recovery suits

  • Onesies

  • Inflatable collars

Cats

  • Do not allow cats outside while wearing an e-collar.

  • The collar can catch on fences, branches, or other objects and may cause serious injury or death.

Heat Warning

Never leave your pet outdoors or in hot environments while wearing an e-collar.

This includes:

  • Garages

  • Vehicles

  • Patios

  • Direct sunlight

Heat stroke can occur quickly.

4. Monitor the Incision

Check the incision at least once daily.

We recommend taking a picture every day so you can compare healing.

Mild swelling and redness are normal during the first 1–4 days.

Go to a Veterinary Emergency Hospital (see hospitals below) Immediately If Your Pet:

  • Has difficulty breathing

  • Appears weak or collapses

  • Has pale gums

  • Has cold feet or ears

Infection Warning

If complications develop that require additional treatment, those costs are the owner's responsibility, even if surgery was performed at a reduced price.

Questions related to your pet's spay/neuter surgery?

Call or Text:

(323) 948-2710

Please include photos whenever possible.

5. Food & Medication

Today

Feed ¼ of your pet's normal meal after arriving home.

Tomorrow

  • Resume normal feeding.

  • Water should always be available.

  • Give pain medication exactly as directed.

6. Contact Us If You Notice

Incision Problems

  • Incision opens

  • Tissue protruding

  • Bleeding beyond a few drops

  • Pus

  • Foul odor

  • Significant redness

  • Significant swelling

  • Heat around the incision

 Call or Text:

(323) 948-2710

Other Concerns

  • No appetite for more than 24 hours

  • Refuses water for more than 24 hours

  • Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours

  • Blood or discharge from the incision

Small, firm bumps beneath the incision are normal and usually disappear within 2 weeks.

 Call or Text:

(323) 948-2710

If Your Pet Won't Eat

Try offering:

  • Canned food

  • Plain boiled chicken (dogs)

  • Gerber Chicken & Gravy baby food

  • Churu treats (cats)

Pets usually drink better once they begin eating.

Overnight & Emergency Care

Spay4LA does not provide overnight hospitalization or emergency services.

If your pet requires emergency care after surgery, please contact one of the following hospitals:

ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospital – South Bay

2551 W. 190th St., Torrance, CA 90504
(310) 320-8300

LAASER Los Angeles Animal Specialty, Emergency & Rehabilitation

2500 N. San Fernando Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90065
(323) 800-8387

Crossroads Animal Emergency – Norwalk

11057 Rosecrans Ave., Norwalk, CA 90650
(562) 863-2522

Long Beach Animal Emergency

4720 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, CA 90804
(562) 245-5325

Pam Wilkinson