8 Tips for Caring for Your Pet After Surgery
When your pet undergoes surgery, proper post-operative care is essential for a smooth recovery, regardless of the specific procedure. Your dog or cat will need extra attention, patience, and a safe environment after surgery to heal properly. Here, we discuss eight key tips to know to help your furry friend recover comfortably and quickly.
1. Create a Comfortable Recovery Space
After surgery, your pet will likely want a quiet, comfortable area to rest. Choose a space away from noise and other pets to minimize stress and allow them to recover peacefully. Among other things that make your pet feel at ease, you should provide a soft bed and easy access to water to ensure a comfortable recovery.
2. Follow Your Vet’s Medication Instructions
Your veterinarian may prescribe pain medication, antibiotics, or other medications to aid recovery. Follow dosage instructions carefully and complete the full course of antibiotics if prescribed. If you have trouble giving medication, ask your vet for tips to ensure your pet receives the proper medication.
3. Monitor the Incision Site Daily
Check the incision from your pet’s surgery at least once daily, and even more frequently if possible, for signs of infection. Some common signs of infection include redness, swelling, discharge, or an unusual odor. If you notice anything concerning, contact your veterinarian immediately. Avoid touching the wound unless necessary, and prevent your pet from touching it as well and irritating it further.
4. Prevent Licking and Scratching
Pets instinctively lick their wounds, which can lead to infection or delayed healing. Most vets recommend using an E-collar or a softer recovery cone to prevent access to the incision. Other options include pet recovery suits or inflatable collars that may be more comfortable for your pet.
5. Follow Feeding Guidelines
Pets often have a reduced appetite or need a special diet after surgery. We recommend offering small, easy-to-digest meals with plenty of fresh water to wash them down. Avoid giving your pet food from your own meals or rich foods that could upset their stomach or lead to a further reduction in appetite. If your pet refuses to eat for more than 24 hours, consult your vet.
6. Limit Activity and Movement
Your pet needs rest to heal properly, so you want to make sure they’re not running or jumping too much until your vet gives the all-clear. You might consider keeping your pet confined to a smaller area or using a crate to limit movement if they’re behaving too rowdy for proper post-op healing, especially if they had orthopedic surgery. For dogs, leash walks for bathroom breaks may be necessary instead of letting them free roam.
7. Keep Up with Post-Surgery Vet Visits
Your vet will schedule follow-up appointments to check your pet’s healing progress. These visits are essential for proper healing and allow your vet to assess the incision, remove stitches if necessary, and ensure your pet is recovering well. Even if your pet seems fine, you should go through with these check-ups until the vet clears them.
8. Be Patient and Offer Plenty of Love
Recovery takes time, and your pet may be more tired, irritable, or clingy than usual. Offer gentle reassurance, stick to a calm routine, and give them extra affection without overstimulating them. Your support can make a big difference in their healing process.
Let Wildwood Petcare Help with Post-Surgery Recovery
Caring for a pet after surgery can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Wildwood Petcare, we offer professional pet care services in San Diego, CA, that will help keep your pet happy and healthy.
Contact us today to learn how we can help!