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Can My Dog Eat or Drink Before Getting Spayed or Neutered? Vet-Approved Advice & FAQs

Melissa Gunter

By Melissa Gunter

dog waiting for food

Vet approved

Dr. Marta Vidal-Abarca Photo

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Marta Vidal-Abarca

BVSc GPCert (Ophthal) MRCVS (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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As a dog owner, unless you adopt a pet that has already been altered, spaying or neutering is a part of life. Having these procedures done is a great way to ensure you are doing your part to control the pet population. Although veterinarians and clinics do these types of procedures often, that doesn’t mean you won’t be concerned about the welfare of your pet during and after surgery.

One of the most asked questions when it comes to preparing for surgery is whether a dog can eat or drink before getting spayed or neutered. While each veterinarian you deal with may have slightly different requests when it comes to this question, most operate under the no food or water after midnight the night before surgery rule. You will find, however, that some veterinarians will allow your pet to have water up until it’s time for surgery, they just want to be informed.

Let’s learn more about why your dog shouldn’t eat before having surgery and other ways you can help make spaying or neutering easier on yourself and your pet.

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Why Can’t My Dog Eat or Drink Before Surgery?

You may be curious as to why veterinarians prefer you to avoid feeding and watering your pets before being spayed or neutered, or any type of surgery for that matter. This act of caution has to do with the anesthesia used to put your pet to sleep. While it may not happen to every pet that has surgery, anesthesia has the potential to make your pet vomit while the procedure is being done, especially if there is food or water in the stomach.

The anesthesia slows down your pet’s bodily functions. The sphincters relax, allowing the contents of the stomach to move towards your dog’s esophagus and potentially their lungs. If your pet vomits during this period of relaxation, the food and water might go down the wrong pipe.

If this happens, vomit could travel down the trachea and into the lungs. This may cause an unwanted complication called aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia is quite serious, even if a small amount of vomit goes into the lungs, and can have fatal consequences. .

dog at vet for spaying procedure
Image by: aspen rock, Shutterstock

Properly Preparing Your Dog for Spaying or Neutering

As a responsible pet parent, you want to do everything possible to properly prepare your pet for the spaying and neutering process. What many don’t realize, however, is that this starts well before the night before surgery when you take away their food and water. Let’s take a look at other ways you can prepare your pet for a safe surgery process.

Ensure Vaccines, Worm, and Flea Treatment Are Up to Date

Most veterinarians won’t schedule spaying or neutering for your pet if their vaccinations or parasite treatments aren’t up to date. Many require certain vaccines and flea and worming treatment to be administered before they’ll allow your pet to stay overnight.

When you schedule your pet’s surgery, go over this information with your veterinarian. They will tell you what vaccines and anti-parasite treatments your pet still needs and get things squared away before surgery time. If not, you may find yourself needing to reschedule until things are handled.


Bathe and Groom Your Dog

After surgery, your pet will need lots of rest. You also won’t be able to give them a proper bath for a bit. Within a few days before surgery, pamper your pooch a bit. Give them a good bath, brush them, clean their ears, and trim their nails. This will give the two of you a bit of special time while getting your pet ready for the recovery ahead.


Launder Your Dog’s Bedding

With a good bath comes clean bedding. Clean bedding also helps prevent issues with infection. Take the time to launder your pet’s bedding either the night before surgery or while they are at the veterinarian’s office. Coming home to a clean bed is a great way to make your dog feel better after surgery.


Prepare a Safe Place

Activities must be limited after your dog is spayed or neutered. Preparing a safe space for them to relax is a great idea. If you’re worried your dog may rough house or jump around when they shouldn’t, this safe area can be a crate or kennel. Make sure to include the dog’s clean bedding so they feel comfortable.


Avoid Too Much Activity

While you may want to let your dog spend the day before surgery running and having tons of fun, this can result in sore muscles on top of surgery. Try to get your pet to relax a bit so they aren’t feeling the strain during the recovery period.


Have Any Special Foods on Hand

According to your dog’s situation and your veterinarian’s preferences, you may be told to feed your pet a special diet following their surgery. If that’s the case, have the food on hand. This will help you be better prepared when your pet comes home. You can spend more time caring for your dog than having to rush around to the stores to find what you need.


Remove Food and Water

Finally, as your pet turns in for a good night’s rest the night before they are spayed and neutered make sure they eat a good dinner, then take away food and water following your vet’s advice. Remember to keep the lids to bins and toilets closed too. We know dogs will find a way to get a snack or a drink, and most don’t mind making your waste bin and toilet bowl their new food and water bowl.

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Conclusion

If your dog is scheduled to be spayed or neutered, there’s no need to panic. Yes, any surgery is cause for concern but if you follow the right preparation procedures, such as removing food and water when you are told, and work with a veterinarian or clinic you trust, your pet should do great. When they get home, pamper them with all the love they need and follow the after-care instruction provided to you so they can heal. Before you know it, they’ll be back to their old selves and romping through your backyard.


Featured Image Credit: 99Art, Shutterstock

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