Post-Surgery Guide for Pet Owners
It can be hard seeing your pet go in for surgery, even if it’s just a routine procedure. There are steps you can take as a pet owner to get ready for the care they’ll need once you bring them back home.
1. Learn the Effects of Anesthesia
To safely perform surgery your pet may be put under general anesthesia. When you bring them home, the effects of the anesthesia can last for about 24 hours. So, it’s essential that you monitor your pet closely during this time. Let them relax and sleep in a comfortable, peaceful spot and make sure they cannot lick or access their incision.
2. Follow Discharge Instructions
Every pet and surgery is unique, so it’s important that you follow the advice provided by your veterinarian after your pet’s discharge. Here are points that are typically included in surgery discharge instructions:
The staff will likely provide you with a paper copy of the instructions. Take extra notes as the doctor is explaining your pet’s needs and ask questions (no matter how simple or complicated you think they may be).
Veterinarians have completed years of education and training. So, their recommended post-surgery plan will provide your pet with the greatest chance of a quick and painless recovery. It may be tempting to skip a few steps especially if your pet is looking better, but sticking to their instructions lowers the chance of long-term complications for your pet.
3. Follow Medication Treatment
After most surgeries, your pet will be prescribed pain medication to help keep them comfortable. Stay on the prescribed schedule for giving these meds. If pain is not managed well, healing can be slowed significantly.
If your pet is usually high energy, they may be given anti-anxiety meds to keep them calm and reduce their urge to jump around as they are healing.
4. Use the Elizabethan Collar
It’s also known as an e-collar (not to be confused with a shock collar). These are plastic or fabric hoods or cones placed around the head to prevent an animal from licking at a surgery site, wound, or dressing.
If purchasing a collar from another source aside from your veterinarian, please ensure your pet is not able to take it off or pop it. This is common with a lot of over-the-counter collars, so monitor closely. Your pet licking or scratching their incision can cause infection and the wound to open.
5. Restrict Your Pet's Movement
Your pet may need to be confined to a small and comfortable place for up to two weeks with no running, jumping, or stairs — whether this is inside their crate or a small sectioned-off area of your living room with a plush pillow.
It’s always best to carry them up or down stairs and prevent any jumping (avoiding beds or couches). Be sure to keep them on a leash whenever outside.
Even if they look anxious to start moving and seem to be healing well — it’s important to check in with your vet to ensure more activity would be safe for them. A professional opinion is essential to ensure the long-term recovery of your pet.
6. Monitor the Wound
Check your pet’s incision site regularly. Keep it dry and clean. If you notice unpleasant odors, excessive swelling, redness, bleeding, or puss in or around the scars — contact your vet as soon as possible so that they can check for potential infection or broken stitches.
It’s likely that your pet itched or rubbed the wound and may not be anything serious, but it’s always better to be safe.
7. Don't Hesitate to Call Your Vet
Veterinarians care about you and your pet. They want to ensure you’re both getting along well following the surgery. Even if it’s a week, month, or even a year later. If you have questions about your pet’s surgery or recovery, they are always happy to support.
