What Happens on the Day of My Dog’s Spay or Neuter?

by | Sep 9, 2026 | Blog

What Happens on the Day of My Dog’s Spay or Neuter? 

We understand that leaving your pet with us for surgery can feel overwhelming. While spay and neuter procedures are something our surgical team performs regularly, we never forget that the pet in our care is a deeply loved member of your family. Every patient receives individualized attention, careful monitoring, and compassionate care from the moment they arrive until they are safely ready to go home 

We want you to know what is happening from the moment your pet comes through our doors until they are safely back in your arms. 

 

Step 1: Your Pet Arrives at Riverside Vet 

When your pet arrives, our surgery team will get them comfortably settled into the hospital. 

We will review their medical history, medications, and surgical plan and perform the appropriate pre-operative evaluation. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork may also be performed or reviewed to help us evaluate organ function and identify concerns that could affect anesthesia. 

 

Step 2: Preparing for Anesthesia 

Our team will place an IV catheter, which gives us immediate access to your pet’s bloodstream throughout the procedure. 

The IV catheter allows us to administer anesthetic medications, fluids, and other medications as needed during surgery. 

Your pet will receive medications selected by the veterinarian to help with relaxation and pain control before being placed under general anesthesia. 

 

Step 3: General Anesthesia & Advanced Monitoring 

Your pet will then be placed under general anesthesia and continuously monitored throughout the procedure. 

At Riverside Vet, we use many of the same types of physiologic monitoring used during human anesthesia to closely follow your pet’s vital signs. 

Depending on the patient and procedure, our anesthesia monitoring includes parameters such as: 

  • Heart rate and rhythm 
  • Respiratory rate 
  • Blood oxygen saturation 
  • Blood pressure 
  • Body temperature 
  • Carbon dioxide levels 
  • Depth of anesthesia 

But equipment is only part of safe anesthesia. 

A trained member of our surgical team is dedicated to monitoring your pet throughout anesthesia, watching both the numbers on the monitors and your pet’s physical responses. Anesthetic depth, vital signs, temperature, and other parameters are continually evaluated so adjustments can be made when needed. 

 

Step 4: Surgery 

Once your pet is safely anesthetized, the surgical area is clipped and carefully prepared using sterile technique. 

The veterinarian then performs the spay or neuter procedure. 

Throughout surgery, our team continues monitoring your pet’s anesthesia and vital signs while also focusing on pain control and maintaining body temperature. 

 

Step 5: The Doctor Calls You 

We know waiting for that phone call can feel like the longest part of the day. 

Once your pet’s procedure is complete and they are safely off the surgery table, the doctor will call you with a detailed update. 

We will tell you how the procedure went, how your pet handled anesthesia, what we found during surgery, and anything else you need to know. 

 

Step 6: Recovery Is Still Part of Anesthesia Care 

Our monitoring does not stop when surgery ends. 

The recovery period is an important part of anesthesia, which is why our surgical team continues to closely monitor your pet as they wake up. 

We monitor their breathing, heart rate, temperature, comfort, alertness, and overall recovery from anesthesia. Pain medications are administered according to the veterinarian’s individualized plan. 

 

Step 7: We Continue Monitoring Throughout the Day 

Your pet will remain with our surgery team for continued observation throughout the day. 

We want them awake, comfortable, stable, and recovering appropriately before they go home. 

When it is time for discharge, we will review your pet’s medications and home-care instructions so you understand exactly what to expect that evening and during the days ahead. 

 

What Is Recovery Like After a Spay or Neuter? 

Once your pet gets home, the most important job is giving their body time to heal. 

Your individual discharge instructions may vary, but most pets will need: 

  • Restricted activity while the incision heals. 
  • No running, jumping, wrestling, or rough play. 
  • An e-collar or other approved protection to prevent licking and chewing. 
  • Daily monitoring of the surgical incision. 
  • Prescribed medications given exactly as directed. 
  • No bathing or swimming until the incision has healed and your veterinarian has cleared your pet for normal activity. 

Keeping a young, energetic dog quiet is often the hardest part! 

Before your pet leaves Riverside Vet, we will make sure you understand what is normal, what medications need to be given, how to care for the incision, and what changes should prompt a phone call. 

And if you get home and realize you forgot to ask something, call us. 

We would always rather answer your question than have you spend the evening wondering whether something is normal. 

 

When Should You Spay or Neuter Your Dog? 

At Riverside Vet, we generally recommend spaying or neutering dogs around 12–15 months of age, allowing time for growth plates to close and skeletal development to progress before removing the influence of reproductive hormones. 

But the best recommendation is still the one made for your individual dog. 

Breed, expected adult size, sex, health, lifestyle, reproductive risk, and other factors can influence the decision. 

You know your dog’s personality, routines, and life at home. We bring the veterinary knowledge to help you understand the medical considerations. The best decisions come from putting those pieces together. 

 

Have Questions About Spaying or Neutering Your Pet? 

You do not have to wait until you are ready to schedule surgery to start the conversation. 

Your puppy’s next wellness visit is the perfect opportunity to ask about spay or neuter timing, anesthesia, pain management, recovery, or anything else that is on your mind. 

At Riverside Vet, our goal is not simply to perform a procedure. We want you to understand why we are making our recommendation, feel comfortable with your pet’s surgical plan, and know how your pet will be cared for every step of the way. 

Riverside Vet is locally and independently owned in Greer, South Carolina, proudly serving pets and their families throughout Greer, Taylors, Greenville, and the surrounding Upstate communities. 

Ready to talk about the right timing for your dog? Contact Riverside Vet to request an appointment.