Zara gets spayed. - Stylish Paws

Today is the day that my baby girl gets spayed. She is six months old and ready for the procedure. This is the first time we have dropped Zara off and left her. The howls and cries were heartbreaking, to the point where I asked Dr Sally if I could please stay with her for the day. Obviously this is not in Zara’s best interests and it was better if Oscar and I go home and wait patiently while time passes slower than every before. I am a little lost without my bounding puppy. I am missing the chaos she brings into our home. I know that she is in extremely capable hands and everything will go just fine.

Oscar’s story

Oscar’s procedure wasn’t as easy as we had hoped it would be. He was five years old when we had him neutered. He began behaving badly when we went out for walks and he would mark his territory all over the house. We took him to a divine behaviourist who suggested neutering him along with some positive reinforcement training sessions. The day I dropped my boy off at the vet for his procedure was just as awful as dropping Zara off! Instead of howling, Oscar gave me his intense sad eyes and pushed his ears right back. With a lump in my throat I had to walk out and fetch him later that afternoon. I was reassured that everything will be fine.

Oscar is a very sensitive boy and he takes everything to heart. He was not a very happy boy when I fetched him later that afternoon. I took him straight home where I had made an extra comfy spot for him to doze off and sleep away his anaesthetic. During the night Oscar licked his stitches to the point where I had to rush him back to the vet first thing in the morning because he had developed an infection. He was put on a course of antibiotics and now he had to wear a cone! Of course I chose a cute one with yellow paws all over it but Oscar was NOT impressed!

Because my boy has such slobbery cheeks and constantly drools, his chin and neck skin was constantly damp, and we all know what loves warm damp environments… Mould!! Oscar’s fur turned lime green and began falling out. He had developed a skin infection. So it was back to the vet for another course of antibiotics and a topical cream and it was good bye cone! I had to watch him like a hawk to make sure he didn’t lick his stitches again and create another problem. Thankfully my efforts paid off and he recovered wonderfully.

Reasons to spay or neuter your pooch

Spaying and neutering your pets is so important. Not only does it prevent unwanted puppies, it also helps prevent a number of diseases and cancers including uterine infections, breast tumours, testicular cancer and prostate problems just to name a few.

It will also help with behavioural problems, although it is not the quick fix solution. You will still need to positively train your pup as we did with Oscar.

Neutering will also help your pup stay close to you and not wonder off to find himself a girlfriend! Oscar was a serious ladies man-and still is I might add. But with him being neutered I know that he will always come running home to me.

The myths

It is believed that spaying or neutering your furry love will cause them to put on weight… This is not true. A lack of exercise and too much food will cause your pup to gain weight. Be sure to keep your furry love active and healthy to avoid any weight problems.

As I have said already, neutering your pup is not a quick fix to his behaviour issues but It certainly helps with the training process. To change your pups behaviour requires time, patience and love. It took months of constant training for Oscar to realise that he isn’t the biggest dog in the park nor does he have to be the meanest, we still have to remind him at times!

Post op

Try to keep your pooch as calm and quiet as possible because you do not want her to rupture her stitches. It is also important that she doesn’t lick her stitches, she may need a cone. You will need to provide a comfy, quiet spot for her to rest and recover in. Your pup doesn’t need to bath while she is recovering, rather spot clean any messes with a warm damp cloth. And never wet her stitches or wound area, this needs to stay as dry as possible to avoid infections. Keep a close watch on her stitches and wound to make sure the healing process is on track.

Post op, Zara will need a lot of TLC! It is going to be a challenge keeping her calm because she is such a happy and excitable puppy who loves nothing more than playing fetch, bringing us various presents from sticks and leaves to her cute cuddly teddies. I have rearranged things so she has comfy spots all over the house and she can decide which one is the best for her to recover. All her bedding has been freshly washed to help prevent infections too. No doubt she will be starving when she arrives home so I have her food ready and waiting along with fresh water and of course some homemade treats are on the menu!