My dog has just been neutered

[HarlotOTara]

After much discussion I decided to get my dog done as he kept escaping and I thought this might help. I brought him home an hour ago along with plastic cone around his head. He is a little unsettled and won't lie down and is whining a little - I think he is disorientated rather than in pain. Anyone got any tips how to make him feel better?

I received a can of food from the vet and some instructions about looking after him. Also, how do I keep the plastic head thing clean as it is getting misted up with his panting. He has had half a tin of food and could probably eat more but the vet said to feed him a little bit first.

He is a golden retriever by the way.

Aw - it's almost certainly just the effect of the anaesthetic. Pain relief is very good these days and castration is quite a minor op so he's unlikely to be in pain as such.

Keep him warm and quiet - just leave him be and keep a quiet eye on him.

Don't be tempted to give him more food than the vet says - he may well bring it back up, again due to the anaesthetic.

Don't worry about how messy the collar gets.

He should be much brighter tomorrow.

HTH

Thanks - he has had a little rice as well. How long does it take to get used to the collar? Also should I try to get him to lie down? He won't at the moment. Sorry, I sound like an over protective mum!

Personally, if he's really dopey and sleepy I'd leave the collar off for now, especially if it's stopping him lying down. You do have to be vigilant though, and if you see him licking at his stitches get the collar on pronto.

They do take quite a while to get used to the collar (usually by which time it's no longer needed!) but it's better to endure the collar than be put under again to have stitches put back in.

Awww, I remember when I got my dog done... he growled when he lay down

I just gave him some fuss and let him do what he wanted (within reason). Think they prefer moping for a bit.

definitely not sleepy just standing looking sad

Thanks for the reassurance the other night. My dog was back to normal the next day and happily running around bashing into everything with his collar on.

Great news, Tara (would feel bad calling you Harlot ).

Has he learned to walk backwards with the collar yet?

Bella,

He managed to eat the collar before it was removed but back to his lively mad self now!

lol - glad he's better!

Do you think eating the collar was an act of vengeance?