If you’ve ever had surgery, you know it can be a stressful process, not to mention the later times when you need to recover and you’re unable to do the activities you’d normally participate in.
For pets, it’s no different – just like us, pets need special care after surgery. And as their companion, it’s up to us to deliver it to them.
This article contains general tips for caring for your pet after surgery. However, keep in mind that these tips are for pets in general. Your pet may have different needs, so you need to closely follow your veterinarian’s instructions to help your pet recover as quickly and efficiently as possible.
It starts before you bring your pet home
Before picking up your pet from the hospital, make sure you understand your veterinarian’s instructions on how to care for your pet when you get home. Set up your home with a comfortable, warm area with easy access to food 
and water for your friend. If your pet usually defecates outside but is unable to do so, make sure there is a potty or litter box nearby (but not near their food or water).
You may want to invest in the path for the dog to go to sleepsofas, or other favorite sleeping places.
If you have an older pet, you may need to know how to hold your friend if extra support is needed. And make sure you know when to bring your pet back to the vet for a follow-up exam or other necessary procedures.
If your pet has been anesthetized
The effects of the anesthetic can last for a while, even when your pet is awake. Your friend may be a little wobbly when walking or unable to stand – and pets don’t always know that this is only temporary! This is why it’s best to keep your pet in a small, enclosed area to avoid the risk of injury.
Your vet may even recommend a kennel for the recovery period, which may seem harsh, but it’s in your pet’s best interest. Rest is important for successful recovery. You can always place the crate wherever you have plenty of time so your friend doesn’t feel too isolated.
If you must keep your friend in a pet kennel, don’t leave toys or bones unattended.
Go out
While your pet recovers, keep time outside to a minimum. Ideally, you just want your pet to go out to the bathroom so your friend gets as much rest as possible. Keep your pet on a sturdy leash to avoid running around and make sure your pet urinates and defecates normally. Often times, pets may need to go to the bathroom more than usual to get rid of the excess liquid that they were given during surgery.
You may want to take your pet outside or go for a short walk, especially if your friend is looking to move. However, moving too much after surgery risks the tissues not coming together correctly. This means the wound may not heal or heal too slowly – leading to a higher risk of infection.
Medicine
Often your veterinarian will give your recovering pet some medication, such as pain reliever. Painkillers can affect your pet’s coordination, which is all the more reason to keep them in a limited resting area.
Keep your pet away from stairs or other parts of the home where falls could be harmful. Also, make sure your friend is eating well, as many of these medications need to be taken with food.
Surgery site
Monitor the incision so that any signs of infection can be detected early for effective treatment. If you notice anything like swelling, bruising, discharge, bad smell, pain, redness or heat, or if anything else
does not look normal, call your vet. Your friend may need additional treatment.
Make sure your pet doesn’t scratch or chew on any stitches or wounds. One Electronic collars can be very useful To prevent pets from fiddling with surgical sites.
Your veterinarian may have asked you to change the dressing or clean the wound at certain times of the day. Sometimes the incision may have a drain that you need to clean. Ask your veterinarian how to keep your pet’s wounds and secretions clean to help prevent infection.
Don’t forget a lot of love and care
Your pet will need more care and affection than usual during recovery. Spend as much time with your friends as you can – cuddling, cuddling, talking – anything to keep your pet calm and speed recovery.
Author
Sabrina Burke
