Bear got the chip and the snip

[BearsMom]

Today was "the day" for Bear to get chipped and neutered. I have a friend who was the vet tech that worked w/ the doctor and she called me throughout the day w/ updates on how he was doing. Apparently everyone fell in love w/ him and they all told me how well he acted.

I know the basics of aftercare and they did explain the cone collar to me but does anyone else have any helpful tips? He is on pain meds for 4 days. Right now he is very doped up and drooling a lot. Thankfully I live in a ranch home so I don't have to worry about steps w/ him. I welcome any advice! I know I did the right thing but he looks so pitiful right now, I feel so bad. :/

[davetgabby]

ahhh poor guy. Glad he's home. Be careful if you don't use the cone. Be ready for possible diarrhea . I'm sure he'll pull through fine.

[Becky Chittenden]

Feel better quickly, Bear!

[TilliesMom]

awwwww sweet little guy!!
I used a baby onesie on Tillie after her spay and she actually wasn't sent home with any pain meds... if I were you I wouldn't give them to him unless he clearly was in a lot of pain... a little bit of pain helps to keep them "down" and naturally restricts thier activity. in my opinion.

[BearsMom]

That's good advice, thanks Tammy. I hadn't thought of pain like that before. Right now he is having a fit because of the cone collar. He's trying to use his paws to get it off. It's going to be a long 10-14 days!!

[TilliesMom]

no problem! I have had numerous surgeries myself and so has my son... "healing" pain is there for a reason, to make you STOP and rest like you are suppose to!!
Seriously think about either a onesie or 'big boy undies' I can't imagine having that horrible cone on ... Tillie didn't even come home with one, I put her in a onesie as soon as I picked her up and would un snap it and roll it up for her to go potty. WAY more comfortable and practical in my opinion!

[StarrLhasa]

A lot of people in the group have used a Onesie turned upside down so the tail can stick out through a couple of open snaps. It is easier/quicker to just unsnap the onesie, tucking the fabric up and out of the way, when taking the dog outside to pottie rather than taking it off completely.

There also are inflatable cones available at your local pet supply store if you are concerned about matting. The hard cone is really frustrating to any dogs. My guys have bumped into me seemingly on purpose to protest the plastic cone.

[BearsMom]

I think I'm going to have to try the onesie route. This cone has become a hazard for him. I am in my bedroom with him and he was pawing at the cone and was able to get the lower part of his jaw through it and then itgot stuck. When I went over to help him, he snapped at me (I an understand why). I don't trust that he won't get hurt while in this cone. It would be one thing if he left it alone but that's not how it's been going. For tonight, he's on my bed. I just hope that he leaves the incision alone tonight :/

[Izzy-bella]

Don't have any advice (all girls here), but hope the poor little one feels better soon.
Kisses and hugs from the bella sisters

[Beau's mom]

Beau had no pain meds (4 days sounds like an awful lot!), I ditched the cone on the drive home from the vet, and he never paid any attention to the incision.