Tips to Ensure Safe and Fast Recovery for Pets After Surgery

Almost all dogs will have to undergo surgery at some point. Most pets are spayed or neutered, while others may have planned lump removals, biopsies, mass removals, or exploratory surgery. In addition, emergency procedures to repair severed intestines or remove bladder stones may be necessary.

No matter the reason, surgery can cause owners a lot of stress and confusion. It is possible to make the surgical procedure, hospital stay, and recovery at home go much more smoothly if you are aware of what to expect and take the necessary precautions to prepare yourself and your pet. 

Post-Surgery Recovery for Pets

Your veterinarian will likely provide you with a list of what you should and should not do for your pet during the healing period, and you can always give them a call if something unexpected happens. To help your pet recover quickly from surgery, keep in mind the following guidelines for providing safe post-operative care.

1. Encourage Lots of Rest

Providing a small crate for your pet can make it simpler to limit their movement and encourage rest. If so, ensure it is close enough for them to view you and the rest of the family and is always filled with their favorite toys and familiar stuff. Pets should sleep in a crate or enclosed space away from the family and other animals or children.

Dog boarding is preferred after surgery to ensure that your pet is well taken care of after the procedure.

2. Follow Feeding Advice

Even if your adult pet is on a restricted diet, you can still give him ice chips to chew on. When a dog is alert, a tiny amount of food and water is typically okay to give. Feeding frequency and duration, as well as other factors such as activity, recovery, and follow-up, will change according to the nature of the procedure. For instance, gastrointestinal surgery may require a more extended period of fasting.

3. Ensure Pet Safety

Do your utmost to prevent your pet from jumping right into activity as soon as it wakes up. If you take your dog outside to relieve himself, keep him on a leash and away from the dirt. Keep all cages, beds, and bedding tidy. 

Take extra precautions when handling your pet because they may be more irritable than usual, increasing the risk of scratches, bites, and other injuries to you and the pet. You can also subject it to pet vaccinations to ensure the welfare of your family and your pet.

4. Check Surgical Sites Often

Check the incision or affected area daily to ensure it’s healing correctly. Your vet surgeon may use belly wraps, post-operative garments, t-shirts, and shorts to cover and protect a surgical incision. Cleaning the incision site and applying a topical wound treatment to minimize inflammation and hasten healing are also recommended. 

Seek the advice of your veterinarian before cleaning a surgical site. A little redness or drainage is typical, but if the swelling or bleeding seems excessive, your veterinarian should be notified.

5. Prevent Pets from Licking or Biting Affected Areas

Your pet may try to lick or bite the incision, which may delay healing and may even lead to infection. Since this is a common issue, your vet will likely provide a cone for your pet to wear over their head as a preventative measure. Depending on the nature of the issue, other aids like T-shirts, bandages, booties, etc., may also be suggested.