What to expect after a laparoscopic spay, and how to support a smooth, stress-free recovery
When Drift, my young Border Collie, went in for a laparoscopic spay recently, I knew we’d need more than just pain relief and a comfy bed. While lap spays are less invasive and tend to have a faster recovery time than traditional spays, they still require rest, calm, and careful management—especially when your dog is young, active, and full of energy!
I thought I’d share what our week looked like: the ups, the challenges, and the tools we used to keep her calm (and ourselves sane). If you’ve got a puppy or dog due for surgery, I hope this gives you reassurance and some helpful ideas.
🐾 What to Expect After a Laparoscopic Spay
Laparoscopic spays (also known as keyhole spays) are a modern, minimally invasive alternative to traditional spaying. They involve two or three small incisions—Drift had three.
In her case:
- Two incisions had one stitch each
- One had two stitches
This type of spay often results in:
- Less internal trauma
- A quicker, more comfortable recovery
- Lower risk of post-op complications
- Reduced need for strong pain medication
That said, the external wounds still need to be protected, and your dog still needs to be kept calm and rested for at least 7–10 days. For active young dogs like Drift, that can be the most challenging part!
🧘 How We Helped Drift Stay Calm (Most of the Time!)
1. Mat Work & Settle Cues
Thanks to her foundation training, Drift already had a solid “go to mat” and “settle.” These became our go-to tools to redirect her gently when she was getting fidgety or overexcited.
2. Calm, Scent-Based Enrichment
- Licki mats
- Snuffle boxes with tissue and kibble
- Frozen Kongs (once her appetite returned)
- Scatter feeding
These gave her something purposeful to do without encouraging movement or overexcitement.
3. Short, Low-Key Interactions
- Touch cues
- Calm tricks like chin rest and touch
- Quiet bonding moments on the mat
4. Environmental Management
We used a pen and kept the environment calm—no zoomies, no visitors, and everything low key. It really helped prevent over-arousal.
🧥 Surgical Suit & Collar Alternatives
From day one, Drift wore a surgical body suit that covered all three incision sites while still allowing her to toilet normally. Because the suit fit well and protected the area, we didn’t need the cone of shame.
This made a huge difference to her comfort:
- She could move around more easily
- Settle on her mat without frustration
- And avoid bumping into furniture (or us!)
However, by day 5, she started licking the shaved area on her front leg where the IV cannula had been placed. To prevent irritation, we used a soft inflatable collar, which:
- Allowed her to sleep and eat in comfort
- Didn’t interfere with her recovery
- Kept things much calmer for all of us
🔁 What Didn’t Go to Plan?
Around days 3–4, Drift was starting to feel better and wanted to move more—but still couldn’t. She tried to initiate play a few times, and had one aborted zoomie attempt.
Instead of correcting her, we:
- Used settle cues
- Offered a chew or enrichment toy
- Gave her space to calm down
Recovery isn’t linear, and managing the emotional side is just as important as the physical side.
🏃♀️ What About Agility or More Active Training?
Since Drift is working towards agility training, we were also mindful of her long-term recovery. While lap spays generally allow for quicker healing, we still gave her time to rest before reintroducing more structured movement.
It’s recommended to:
- Avoid jumping or weaving for at least 3–4 weeks
- Reintroduce low-impact agility foundations gradually
- Always follow your vet’s guidance on recovery timelines
Now that she’s feeling more like herself, Drift is back to gentle exercises from our Foundation Agility: Driven by Drift course — rebuilding strength, confidence, and focus one step at a time.
👉 Interested in agility foundations?
Explore our online course: Foundation Agility: Driven by Drift
💡 My Top Tips for Lap Spay Recovery
- Start calm training early – Mat work is your best friend
- Plan for enrichment – Licki mats, snuffle games, and chews can save your sanity
- Use a pen or calm zone – Don’t rely on supervision alone
- Structure toilet walks – Slow, sniffy lead walks only when appropriate
- Watch their body language – Some dogs need reassurance, others need space
And most importantly—be kind to yourself. Recovery time can feel long, but it’s temporary.
🐶 Want Help Preparing for Recovery?
At The Canine Hub, we focus on real-life training—the kind that helps when your dog’s had surgery, when visitors arrive, or when life throws you curveballs.
We can help you and your dog prepare for calmer days with:
- 1-2-1 support tailored to your dog’s routine
- Calm skills & enrichment games
- Pup Starters (Level 1) for young dogs
- Ongoing confidence building in our Saturday Social Club
👉 Ready to book?
🧠 Dog Spay Recovery FAQs
Q: How do I keep my dog calm after a laparoscopic spay?
A: Use mat training, scent enrichment and a quiet home setup. Avoid stairs, running, or active play for at least 7–10 days.
Q: When can I start walking my dog again after a lap spay?
A: Follow your vet’s advice, but usually short lead walks for toileting only for the first few days, then slowly building up from there.
Q: Can I leave my dog alone during spay recovery?
A: Brief periods are okay once they’re settled, but avoid long absences in the first few days. Use a pen or crate to prevent jumping or climbing.
Q: What should my dog wear after a laparoscopic spay?
A: A well-fitting surgical body suit can be a great alternative to the cone. If needed, a soft inflatable collar can also offer comfort and protection.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Calm Training Pays Off
Drift’s recovery reminded me how powerful calm training is—not just for day-to-day life, but during big life events too.
If you’re thinking about spaying your dog or want to build calm habits that last a lifetime, we’d love to help.
🐾 Ready to work with us?
The Canine Hub 