If you’ve just neutered your French bulldog or you’re planning to do it, then you probably want to know what to expect. Neutering is an important step both for you and your furry gremlin and can leave many benefits to your dog’s health. It’s a simple procedure that can minimize or prevent your male French bulldog from prostate problems, cancer, and other urinary tract issues.
The term ‘neutering’ refers to the removal of a dog’s reproductive organs. You can also hear the term ‘castration’ that is used for males, and ‘spaying’ that is used for females.
Why neuter a French bulldog?
- Neutered Frenchies live longer, healthier lives.
- By neutering your pooch, he will be less likely to roam and wander.
- It prevents prostate cancer.
- Your dog will become calm and more affectionate.
- Your dog will be less likely to mark the territory.
- Prevention of unwanted pregnancy.
- Your Frenchie will smell better. He won’t have that well-known strong doggy odor.
Is it risky to neuter a French bulldog?
Castrating a healthy young dog is not risky. According to published statistics, it’s estimated that the chance of death from this procedure ranges less than 1 in 500. The most common complications include requisite general anesthesia which can cause breathing difficulties or other problems during surgery. Others include bleeding-related issues like infections at sites where blood loss was intense (this will vary depending on many factors), as well as post-op pain caused by incision site healing inadequately done.
How to recover a Frenchie after being neutered?
Dogs often take a few days for anesthesia and recovery. If your pup is particularly energetic, it can be hard on them so try not to overdo things in those first couple of weeks after the surgery. Some pooches will vomit, feel tired, and have a loss of appetite. However, these symptoms usually disappear after 48 hours.
To help your Frenchie easier go through recovery, we recommend you the following:
- Ask your vet what will be the best medicine to decrease post-surgery pains in your furry gremlin.
- If your Frenchie is an energetic and active pup, try to keep him calm for at least 2 weeks. Your vet might prescribe you sedatives to help keep him calm.
- Even though most skin sutures are absorbable, don’t forget to regularly check the incision spot. Skin sutures usually need 10-14 days to completely absorb.
- Daily inspect the incision line for redness, swelling, and discharge.
- Put your Frenchie the Elizabethan cone around his neck to protect the incision spot. Your dog will try to lick it which may cause an infection.
What things to expect after neutering a French bulldog?
After neutering, your French bulldog will be calmer and less likely to roam and wander. He won’t have the intense drive to seek females and will have a desire to stay closer home. Therefore, you shouldn’t be surprised if your furry friend wants to sleep in your lap or spend a whole day by your side. When we talk about your dog’s activity, this period can be very tricky. French bulldogs can easily become overweight so it would be a good idea to temporarily decrease the calorie intake.
In case you notice any redness or discharge coming from the incision place, it’s recommended to schedule a vet visit as soon as possible. The incision spot must stay dry, so during the recovery period, it’s recommended to pick up any left urine with toilet paper every time your Frenchie goes to release the bladder. An usual smell or discharge indicate that an infection has occurred, so your vet will prescribe your dog an antibiotic oral therapy as well as topical creams.