How to Care for Your Dog After Surgery: Important Guidelines

Surgery can be a stressful and tough time for humans. However, it is no different when our four-legged buddies need particular surgery for their condition. Like people, pets also require special post-surgery care for their safety during their recovery process.

While waiting for an important phone call from your vet confirming your canine has awakened from the operation, you may be concerned about how to take care of your pet after surgery. Fortunately, you wouldn’t have to stress over that as that’s what we will tackle. Keep reading for more information.

Five Tips to Care for a Dog Following a Surgery

Surgeries can be scary for pets and their owners. Their recovery process is not that complicated and challenging, but the first few weeks after surgery involves special care for your furry companion. Below we’ve prepared five simple pointers you can do for your pet’s speedy recovery after surgery.

1. Feed them light meals

A general anesthetic can make your dog feel queasy and lose appetite. Give your dog approximately half their regular meal a couple hours after their surgery. If they eat everything you serve and still look hungry, you can give them the rest of their meal an hour later. Since some pets experience nausea following general anesthesia, dividing their meals by portion can lessen the risk of vomiting and nausea.

Also, ensure your pet’s teeth remain in good condition so they’ll always have the appetite for the healthy foods you serve. Routinely bringing them to pet dental professionals for teeth cleaning can help avoid gum illness or oral-related problems before they worsen. Look out for signs of aching teeth in your pet. If you spot one, take them to an animal dentist for cat tooth extraction.

2. Make a personal space for them

Although your pet is awake after their surgery, the impacts of anesthesia may still be noticeable. You may notice your pet wobbling and unable to stand or walk appropriately. It’s best to keep your pet in a contained and undisturbed area to prevent injuries. If you intend to go out of town while your pet recuperates from surgery, you may take your pet to a dog daycare Mooresville NC, that takes care of pets recovering from surgery.

3. Have them put on Elizabeth collars

If a pet has a wound they can simply reach, they’ll likely lick it, and so will their fellow doggies. This is why it’s important to keep their “cone” or e-collar on to keep them from licking their incision. Otherwise, it’ll only take a few minutes before your dog licks and bites out its stitches. Your vet could provide you with one, or you can purchase it from pet stores nearby.

Elizabeth collars must always be ready to prevent wound infections if your pet undergoes veterinary orthopedic surgery.

4. Keep their incision site dry

For the first few weeks following your pet’s surgical operation, don’t bathe them. Take note of your vet’s stringent instructions. Ensure their incision site is dry if you plan to go out with your pet for a walk, particularly if it’s wet outside. If their incision is under their tummy, never let them lie in dirty or damp areas.

5. Ensure water is always available for them

Pets might not believe they’re thirsty after their surgical treatment since they may feel weak and lethargic because of the adverse effects of sedation. However, they will require more liquids than usual following a surgery. Keep a bowl of water near them so they can easily access it and ensure they are hydrated throughout their recovery process.

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