449,800 dogs!

That’s the total number of stray or at large dogs in the United States in 2023, according to the national database Shelter Animals Count. Shelters across the country are full of dogs, and neuter and spay surgeries help keep the stray population under control and reduce the number of pets in shelters.

Many dog parents are likely to have questions about these procedures, from what they are to how to take care of them after to how CBD for pets can help. Find answers to these and more common questions here.

The Difference Between Spaying and Neutering

Spaying refers to removing the reproductive organs of a female dog, while neutering is the procedure done for males.

The vet removes a female dog’s ovaries and uterus, eliminating her heat cycle and rendering her unable to reproduce. The spay process is called an ovariohysterectomy (OVH) or ovariectomy, depending on whether all reproductive organs are removed or only the ovaries, respectively.

Dog neutering removes the testicles and associated structures. The process is also known as castration. It renders the male dog incapable of reproducing, and behaviors such as humping may cease, depending on the dog’s age. Alternative procedures such as vasectomies for male dogs are available but not commonly performed.

The Benefits of Spaying or Neutering

Out of over 6 million animals entering the rescue or shelter system annually, only 4.1 million find their way into a home. Spaying and neutering help reduce unwanted litters, which decreases the number of stray animals or unwanted pets entering rescues and shelters.

There are also behavioral and medical benefits to spaying and neutering dogs, including:

• Females live longer, healthier lives because of the prevention of uterine infections and breast tumors.
• Female pets will not go into heat, which reduces estrus-related behaviors (spotting, attracting males) and causes them to urinate less frequently.
• Male dogs are less susceptible to testicular cancer and other prostate problems.
• Males are less likely to roam away from home in search of a mate.
• A neutered male is less likely to mark his territory by with urine around your home and may reduce aggression-related behaviors.

When to Spay or Neuter Your Dog

The traditional neutering age is six to nine months. Vets also neuter adult dogs, but there’s an increased risk of post-operation complications for older pets, overweight dogs, and those with health issues. Discuss with your vet to determine the best time to spay or neuter your dog.

Preparing Your Pet

The days before your dog’s surgery are critical. Make sure you are prepared to help them recover fast and safely. Preparation includes:

• Have safe dog areas – You might have to install gates that limit pet movement to specific areas of the home.
• No water or food – Withhold them the night before the surgery to prevent aspiration and vomiting.
• Staying calm – Your dog feeds off your emotions; if you are nervous, they can sense it. Do your best to be reassuring and relaxed as you bring the dog in for surgery. It will help your pet feel comfortable.

What to Do When You Pick Them Up

Neutering and spaying are routine surgical procedures for dogs and cats. However, the idea of your pet anesthetized can be very stressful. Some vets prefer keeping dogs overnight post-surgery, which can only add to the stress.

Dog neutering is a relatively mild procedure, and your dog may be released the same day. Spaying is more complex, so monitoring the animal afterward is critical for several reasons. A vet might recommend the same for neutering as well.

Reasons for vets keeping dogs overnight include:

• Ensuring the pet comes out of anesthesia well.
• Observation for post-operation complications.
• Keeping the animal still.
• Ensuring the dog does not traumatize the incision site or remove stitches by biting or licking the area.
• Monitoring the dog’s temperature for infection detection and administering pain medication in the morning.

Keep your pet safe on the ride home. Post-surgery animals are more susceptible to issues associated with cold and warm weather. For example, brachycephalic dog breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Bull Mastiffs, and English Toy Spaniels have smaller noses than usual. This makes them prone to problems associated with heat. Keep your dog safely confined and comfortably cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather on the way home.

Nutritional Support & Feeding Tips After Spay or Neuter Surgery

In the first 24–48 hours after neuter or spay surgery, your dog may seem groggy, sleepy, or uninterested in eating. This is a normal reaction to general anesthesia and post-surgical medications. Some pets may also experience mild nausea or hesitation toward food. It’s important to remain calm and patient as a gentle, gradual return to eating helps their stomach and system adjust as they recover.

The best approach is to keep your dog’s diet consistent. Avoid switching brands or introducing new foods right after surgery. Sudden dietary changes can upset digestion, trigger vomiting, or make the transition back to normal meals more difficult. For pets on homemade or specialty diets, prepare smaller, milder portions until their appetite improves.

One strongly recommended approach is to offer small meals – about one-quarter to one-half of the usual amount – spaced several hours apart. This gives you time to observe tolerance before increasing to normal portions. Dogs recovering from anesthesia have slower digestion, so smaller portions are easier to handle. You can slightly warm their meal to enhance aroma, making it more appetizing if dog appetite after neuter surgery seems low.

Water is another priority. Fresh, cool water should always be available. Some dogs drink less post-surgery because they’re tired or drowsy. However, maintaining proper hydration for dogs after surgery is crucial for regulating body temperature, supporting organ function, and promoting healthy tissue repair. If your dog struggles to reach their bowl, use a shallow, wide dish placed near their bedding to encourage safe, easy access.

Soft-textured treats or chews can help stimulate appetite while being gentle on the stomach. Ask your vet for ones that are considered safe treats for dogs after a spay or neuter surgery. Alternatively, you could offer a small spoonful of wet food or plain boiled chicken for extra motivation. CBD chews may also be incorporated in moderation. If cleared by your veterinarian, these treats can help support calmness and relaxation during the recovery period.

When planning pet food for recovery nutrition, remember that nutritional stability helps maintain your dog’s weight and energy as they heal. Balanced feeding routines and consistent hydration form the base of healthy recovery with small, steady steps that aim to nurture both comfort and strength.

For more pet care tips and feeding guidance, visit our post on caring for your pet after hospitalization.

Creating a Safe & Comfortable Recovery Environment for Dogs

A calm, organized recovery space can make all the difference during healing. Before bringing your dog home, think about setting up a dog recovery space that limits movement and creates a sense of safety. This area should be away from high-traffic zones and loud noises like TVs, vacuums, or kids playing. Choose a quiet corner, ideally one where you can keep an eye on your pet without disturbing them.

Lay down soft bedding on the floor – something thick enough for comfort but low enough to discourage jumping. Avoid letting your dog climb onto furniture or human beds as even a small jump can irritate the surgical incision or tear stitches. If your home has stairs, you could use baby gates to block access. This helps your pet rest without temptation to move too much.

Temperature control is another overlooked yet vital part of recovery. Dogs may have difficulty regulating their temperature after anesthesia. Keep the space cool and well-ventilated during warmer months and cozy during cooler ones. For short-nosed breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, or Mastiffs, overheating can quickly become dangerous. A small fan or gentle air conditioning can help, especially if your dog is confined to one area.

Be sure to keep all essentials nearby, including food, water, blankets, and a few quiet toys. Having everything within reach minimizes the need for unnecessary movement. If your pet is crate-trained, consider keeping the door open so they can rest freely. Human companionship also helps. You should spend quiet time sitting near your recovering dog to offer reassurance without overstimulation.

Put simply, a peaceful environment is wonderful for keeping dogs calm after surgery and supporting emotional balance while the body heals. It also reduces stress behaviors such as licking or scratching at the incision site. Take proactive steps that limit access to stairs, furniture, and overly playful family members. That way, you can prevent unnecessary strain or accidents that can lead to incontinence or prolong recovery.

When in doubt, remember: a restful environment can be as important as any medication. The more stable and soothing the surroundings, the smoother the healing process will be.

How to Care for a Dog After Spaying or Neutering

Before your dog is neutered or spayed, they receive a combination of long-lasting analgesics that help prevent pain post-surgery. They then receive a general anesthetic that induces sleep. Your dog requires and deserves proper care and observation over the next few days to facilitate the recovery process.

1 Day Post-Surgery

If you must handle your pet, be careful. The medications they receive can make them uncomfortable, irritable, groggy, and even aggressive. Keep other animals, children, and strangers away from your pet on the first day home. Confine your pet in a small space. This means NO free-roaming or access to human beds, furniture, and stairs.

You can offer small amounts of food and water and a small portion of pet CBD. Usually, a quarter of their usual daily portion at least two hours apart if they can keep the first portion down. Pets are generally nauseous or not hungry for 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Do not change your dog’s regular diet unless your vet recommends it.

2 Days Post-Surgery

When your dog wakes up in the morning, they should act more like themselves. Feed and walk as usual, but limit activities as much as possible. Help your dog up and down stairs and keep them from making flying leaps off the couch or bed. Keep other animals separate from the patient to prevent play and roughhousing – no baths for the next 14 days since water can disrupt the sutures. Consult with a vet on whether you can continue to use CBD for post-neuter care or spay care.

1 Week Post-Surgery

Check the incision area a few times a day to ensure it is healing correctly. Take the dog back to the vet for a checkup in case of discharge, the opening of the sutures, or redness. Licking of the area is common but undesirable; if the dog cannot leave the site alone, you may have to get an Elizabethan collar (cone) for larger dogs or a soft collar for smaller pups.

Some post-surgery side effects appear worse than they are. For example, razor burns for clearing a bit of hair will resolve themselves. Suture material can also cause a reaction that causes swelling around the incision site as healing occurs. Knowing your dog’s normal behavior before they go in for the procedure can help identify issues that can occur during the healing process.

Activity Management & Exercise Guidelines Beyond the First Week

Once your dog’s energy begins returning, it’s tempting to let them move freely again – but patience here is essential. After the initial recovery phase, your vet may recommend reintroducing activity gradually. Typically, between 7–14 days post-surgery, your dog can begin short, structured walks once healing is confirmed and swelling has subsided.

Start with 5–10-minute leash walks on flat, even surfaces. Avoid grassy areas that may harbor insects or bacteria, as the incision is still sensitive. Monitor for limping, redness, or signs of discomfort as you walk. If you see your dog pulling or jumping excitedly, redirect them calmly and shorten the outing.

When it comes to dog recovery timeline after neutering, every pet heals at a different pace. Smaller or younger dogs often bounce back quickly, while large breeds and high-energy dogs may need longer rest periods. You can introduce light, indoor enrichment – such as puzzle toys, treat dispensers, or gentle “find it” games – to keep their mind engaged without overexerting their body.

Avoid high-impact play, such as fetch, running, or roughhousing with other pets, for at least 2–3 weeks. Too much activity can strain the healing incision and cause swelling or tearing. Your focus should be on rebuilding stamina slowly while maintaining the integrity of the spay surgery aftercare for your dog’s routine.

Remember that every small movement counts. Jumping on furniture, running up stairs, or even standing on hind legs to greet you can all stress the incision area. Structured rest helps the body strengthen gradually, reducing risks and setting up your pet for a smooth, lasting recovery.

Behavioral Changes to Watch for After Spay or Neuter Surgery

Behavioral shifts can surprise even the most prepared pet parents. After a surgery or medical procedure like this, your dog’s temperament may fluctuate for a few days. Some pets become clingier or more vocal, while others prefer solitude and quiet. Both responses are normal as the anesthesia, surgery, and temporary discomfort can alter mood and behavior temporarily.

It’s also common to see mild disorientation or wobbliness during the first 24 hours – this typically fades as medication clears the system. Appetite often returns gradually over two to three days, and increased alertness follows shortly after. If your dog remains lethargic or refuses food beyond that, speak with your vet, as it could point to internal irritation requiring medical attention.

Monitoring the incision site daily helps detect early issues. Redness, discharge, or reopening are warning signs. If your pet persistently licks or bites at the area, take steps to prevent licking using a recovery cone or protective garment. Licking can introduce bacteria and slow healing.

Behaviorally, it’s helpful to keep stimulation low. Avoid introducing new pets, visitors, or travel during the first two weeks. Overexcitement can raise stress hormones, which in turn slow down tissue repair. Consistent, quiet interaction helps your pet feel safe without triggering agitation or overactivity.

Your dog may also experience small hormonal adjustments as their body balances out post-surgery. While permanent personality changes are rare, some dogs become calmer or less territorial after recovery. If you notice concerning or lasting shifts, your vet can recommend ways to support emotional stability or adjust post-op medications.

Regular observation helps distinguish between normal healing and complications, empowering you to intervene early if needed. For additional information on managing prescriptions and possible side effects, see our resource on common medications.

Follow Up Care

How do you get your pet companion feeling 100% again after surgery? Besides following the instructions above and your vet’s post-surgery instructions, it’s critical to keep the dog calm to ensure a full recovery. Keeping an active dog relaxed might seem like a pipe dream, but tips on how to calm a high-energy dog can help.

Stock Up on Interactive Toys

Your healing dog needs quiet, but this does not mean confinement in the crate. Outdoor games are off-limits during the initial stages of recovery. Introduce mental puzzle games and interactive dog toys into the dog’s routine. Your dog wants to get back to its active lifestyle. You can help your pooch channel the built-up energy and natural foraging instincts by letting them work for snacks such as one of these Kong recipes.

Play Nose Games

Your dog cannot work out its paws, but it can work out the nose! Dogs have an excellent sense of smell, but they require practice to use scent instead of visual cues to find objects. Nose games keep your pet entertained and less stressed during recovery. Test your pup’s sense of smell by playing hide-and-seek with their favorite flavor of Edibites. However, keep activity at a low intensity. Hide the chews in your fists or place them under a cup and shuffle several to challenge your patient nose to the right one. After the dog feels better, you can hide the chews around the house to encourage them to move again.

Benefits of Downtime

Reducing environmental stressors, stimuli, and activity during post-neuter or spay recovery is important. Take this time to show your furry friend lots of affection by cuddling. Plus, limit houseguest visits and social interactions to avoid overstimulating your dog with the presence of new people.

CBD for Dogs After Surgery: Calming & Wellness Support

Recovery isn’t just about physical healing – it’s about restoring comfort and balance. CBD can play a helpful role in keeping pets relaxed during downtime. Post-operative rest often requires keeping dogs quiet for days or even weeks, which can lead to frustration or restlessness. CBD may help promote calm behavior, supporting a smoother, more peaceful recovery process.

When considering CBD after surgery, start by consulting your veterinarian. They can confirm safe serving amounts and timing, especially if your dog is still on medications. Pet Releaf’s organic CBD oils and chews are made from carefully sourced hemp and third-party tested, offering options that support wellness through natural means. Oils allow for flexible, precise serving sizes, while chews provide a pre-measured, convenient option for busy pet parents.

CBD can be used to support digestion, calmness, and general comfort – not as a medical treatment but as part of a holistic care routine. Dogs restricted to rest may benefit from CBD’s natural relaxation properties, which reduce the likelihood of restlessness or attempts to lick or bite the incision area. When combined with consistent feeding, hydration, and gentle companionship, CBD contributes to a balanced environment that encourages your pet to recover at a steady pace.

Integrating CBD into your post-surgery care plan complements other recovery habits, such as providing clean bedding, maintaining hydration, and minimizing stress. Thoughtful routines like these are key when searching for the answers on, “how to take care of my dog after neutering.” By supporting both the emotional and physical side of healing, you’re creating the conditions your pet needs to thrive once again.

Taking time to nurture calmness, maintain nutritional consistency, and observe small changes will help your furry companion regain strength safely. Patience, love, and careful observation turn recovery into an opportunity for deeper trust between you and your pet – one that lasts well past the healing period.

Ensure Speedy Healing

Most dogs recover quickly after they are neutered or spayed. Failure to follow post-op instructions can lead to discomfort for your pet. CBD for post-neuter care can be beneficial for promoting calmness and relaxation. Hold regular discussions with your veterinarian to address injuries or illnesses that are not from the surgery. Your dog needs your unconditional and utmost support at this point. These tips will empower you to take care of your pet after neutering or spaying and support a speedy recovery.