Basics of Pet Ownership: How to Care for Your Pet After Surgery

Does your pet require surgery? We understand how frustrating it is to think about your dog or cat having surgery, but rest assured that your veterinarian would not recommend it if they did not believe it was necessary. You contribute to the success of your pet’s surgery. Following the activity restriction guidelines is important. Here are some guidelines to help you relax and get the most out of your post-operative care.

What to Expect Before Surgery

The thought of having your pets get surgery can be overwhelming. But to reassure you, your vet will have steps to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Pre-surgery Evaluations

The basics include ensuring your pets were given vaccines, taken to regular checkups, and provided with other routine care. Vets like Carrier Animal Hospital can get all these done for your pets. Your vet will double-check the procedure’s details, perform a physical exam on your pet and double-check that blood tests have been completed and reviewed to see if your pet is at risk of anesthesia-related complications.

How to Care for Pets After Surgery

Keep them on the ground. 

It’s fine to cuddle and pet your pet as long as it’s done with care, but it’s best to keep them on the floor. It is not recommended to keep them in your bed because the step up to your mattress could result in a fall or overexertion, which could aggravate their injury.

Give them a clean and relaxing space.

As accidents can occur when a pet is groggy from being sedated or when wounds are still healing, having a bed with a removable cover that you can wash as needed is a good idea. This is also useful when the wound needs to be kept clean and dry. Because most pets will be sleepy after surgery, it’s imperative to make sure their bed supports their injuries while also being soft enough to encourage a quick recovery.

Regulate the room’s temperature.

After anesthesia, some dogs may develop hypothermia or a low core body temperature. This may cause you to overcompensate by wrapping them in a heavy blanket, but this can cause them to overheat due to their fur. Cover them with a light, breathable blanket. Check on them from time to time and be observant of their reaction and behavior. Check this link to get more helpful information.

Let your pets rest.

Grand Prarie vets recommend that you let your pets recover and get enough rest. Our furry friends, on the other hand, don’t always understand that they need to relax. As they recover, you may see them trying to get back to their regular playtimes and other activities. But this can all wait until they have healed completely. That’s why confining them in a small, comfortable enclosure with a bed designed with a pain-relieving cushion is a good idea.

Conclusion

While you’ll almost certainly be given both written and verbal instructions for caring for your pet after surgery, don’t be hesitant to ask questions. The key to a successful post-surgical pet recovery is to rest and follow your veterinarian’s instructions. Being there for them and making them as comfortable as possible during this time will go a long way toward a speedy recovery.