Caring for a pet after surgery is essential to their recovery because it helps them heal safely and comfortably.
From common procedures to more complex surgeries, post-operative care is critical to ensure their well-being and happiness.
In this article, the veterinary experts at Newport Mesa Animal Hospital provide 9 expert aftercare tips for supporting your furbaby’s recovery at home after pet surgery.
Important: It’s vital that you follow your veterinarian’s advice to ensure your pet’s timely & effective recovery.
Contact Your Vet Immediately If You Notice Any of These Signs:
● Excessive bleeding or swelling at the incision site
● Redness or pus-like discharge from the wound
● Unusual lethargy that persists longer than the day of surgery
● Vomiting or diarrhea after the effects of anesthesia should have worn off
● Difficulty breathing or coughing that seems severe or continuous
● Loss of appetite lasting more than 24 hours after returning home
● Signs of pain like whimpering, panting, or reluctance to move
● Licking or biting the surgical site
How Do You Take Care of Your Furbaby After Pet Surgery?
1. Prepare Before the Procedure
2. Remember, Anesthesia Can Linger
3. Keep Them Comfortable & Happy During Recovery
4. Care for Their Incision Site
5. Restrict Their Movement & Limit Their Activity
6. Keep Them on Strict Cage Rest
7. Leash-Walk Them Only
8. Don’t Let Guilt Overcome You!
9. NEVER Skip Your Pet’s Follow-up Appointment
Prepare Before the Procedure
1. Follow Pre-Operative Instructions: Your vet will provide specific guidelines for fasting, usually no food after midnight the night before surgery to avoid complications with anesthesia.
2. Arrange Transportation: Plan safe transport to and from the clinic. Avoid unnecessary activity or stress during the ride to keep your pet calm.
3. Prepare a Recovery Area: Set up a comfortable, quiet space where your pet can rest undisturbed post-surgery. Include soft bedding, limited lighting, and keep the area free of stairs or sharp furniture corners.
4. Stock Up on Supplies: Get any post-surgery supplies ahead of time, such as medications, cones, soft food, and any specific bandaging materials recommended by your vet.
5. Ask Questions: If you have concerns about anesthesia, pain management, or recovery expectations, discuss these with your vet beforehand to feel confident about the process.
6. Plan for Supervision: If possible, arrange to stay with your pet or have someone available to monitor them for at least 24 hours post-surgery to ensure their comfort and manage any immediate aftercare needs.
7. Calm Their Nerves: If your pet experiences anxiety, ask your vet about options for calming them before the procedure. Bringing a familiar blanket or toy can sometimes help soothe nervous pets at the clinic.
Anesthesia Can Linger
After any animal surgery, pets may take time to shake off the effects of anesthesia. The lingering impact can leave your pet groggy, disoriented, or even a little nauseous.
It’s essential to give your pet a quiet, comfortable space to rest while these effects wear off. Provide fresh water within reach but avoid feeding large meals immediately after surgery, as anesthesia can sometimes upset their stomach.
Monitor your pet closely for unusual behavior, but allow time for them to adjust. Most pets should regain full alertness within a day or two.
Keep Them Comfortable & Happy During Recovery
Creating a peaceful and cozy recovery space for your pet will make a significant difference in their healing. Set up a quiet, familiar spot in your home with their bed and a few favorite toys nearby.
Low noise levels also help to keep their stress to a minimum, especially if they’re sensitive to sounds. Maintain a calm environment to support both their physical and mental recovery.
Care for Their Incision Site
The incision site requires diligent monitoring and care to avoid complications. After pet surgery, check the area daily for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.
It’s vital to keep this area clean and dry to prevent bacteria from entering the wound. If your pet shows an inclination to lick or bite at the incision, a cone can prevent them from disrupting the healing process.
Also, to reduce the risk of infection, avoid bathing your pet until cleared by your veterinarian.
Restrict Their Movement & Limit Their Activity
Keeping your pet calm and restricting their movements is one of the most critical aspects of post-surgery care. Sudden activity can open wounds or cause complications, especially after major animal surgery.
Limit running, jumping, or any vigorous play for several days (or as recommended by your vet). Consider keeping your pet in a confined room or designated area to make movement restrictions easier.
Smaller spaces also reduce the chances of unintentional injury and promote a faster, safer recovery.
Keep Them on Strict Cage Rest
Some pets require strict cage rest, particularly those recovering from orthopedic surgery. This approach is especially helpful in limiting movement when active pets may be tempted to overexert themselves.
Cage rest enables your pet to stay safe and comfortable, surrounded by soft bedding and essentials, like water. While cage rest may seem challenging, it helps control their environment and speeds up the healing process.
Adding comfort items to the cage — such as soft blankets — will make the experience more manageable and relaxing.
Leash-Walk Them Only
For pets requiring some outdoor time during recovery, supervised leash walks are ideal. Controlled walks enable them to stay active without risking overexertion or strain.
Leash walking lets you monitor their movements closely, and ensures they don’t get carried away with excitement. Stick to even ground to prevent slips or falls.
Short, slow-paced walks work best, and your vet will guide you on when to begin longer walks as they recover.
Don’t Let Guilt Overcome You!
Restricting your pet’s movement and activities can be difficult, but it’s essential for their well-being. While it may feel unfair, these limitations are in place for a reason.
Giving in to guilt could lead to activity that disrupts the healing process and prolongs recovery. By following your vet’s instructions closely, you’re prioritizing your pet’s health.
Remember, these temporary restrictions play a crucial role in helping them heal and return to their normal selves sooner.