Surgery may be stressful for both pet owners and animals, but knowing how to care for your dog after surgery is crucial to helping your animal recover to its usual, active lifestyle. Regardless of the kind of operation your dog is having, your specialist, veterinarian, or veterinary surgeon will make sure to provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your pet afterward.
The Post-Operative Veterinary Care
There may be special and essential recommendations depending on the kind of procedure your cat has had. Follow your veterinarian’s advice to the letter. Here are some tips for keeping your pet safe and happy while you recover and go back to normal.
What to feed your pet
Following general anesthesia, your dog may get queasy and lose appetite. When it comes to feeding your dog after surgery, a light meal like chicken and rice is an excellent option since it is easier to digest than conventional store-bought dog food.
Your veterinarian will recommend a diet that has all of the required elements for your dog’s health, as well as the exact quantity of calories to feed your pet in order to maintain a healthy weight. If your dog’s appetite does not return in 48 hours, contact your veterinarian or veterinary surgeon. Appetite loss may also be a symptom of pain or disease.
How to manage pet’s pain
To minimize unnecessary pain and side effects while your dog recovers, it is vital that you follow your veterinarian’s recommendations. Consult your veterinarian if you have any queries about the directions. Your veterinarian wants to help you with your dog’s recuperation. If your puppy is frightened or agitated, your veterinarian may prescribe a sedative or anti-anxiety medication to help him or her calm while they recover.
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What to do to limit movements
After the treatment, your veterinarian will recommend that you limit your dog’s activity and movement for a period of time. Fortunately, most treatments do not need prolonged confinement, such as complete ‘crate-rest,’ to aid recuperation. Most pets adjust to being confined to the home for a few days with ease. Prevent your dog from climbing the stairs or jumping up onto the furniture where they prefer to lie. If you are unable to supervise your dog directly, confining them to a secure and pleasant room for a few days may be required to avoid these behaviors.
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How to care for the wound
It might be tough to keep your dog from nibbling, biting, or scratching at their bandages or incision site. An E-collar with a plastic cone shape is a great method to keep your dog away from the wound. Cone collars are normally fine for dogs in a few hours, but if your dog is having problems, there are other options. Consult your veterinarian about less noticeable alternatives, such as donut-style collars or post-surgery jumpsuits.
Related: Learn more about the different Veterinary surgical procedures here.
How to keep the dressing clean
Another crucial part of supporting your dog’s wound is healing quickly is to keep bandages dry at all times. When your dog goes outside, cover the bandages with a plastic bag or cling wrap to protect them from the damp grass. Remove the plastic covering as soon as your pet enters the house. Perspiration may collect behind the bandage if the plastic is left on top, resulting in an infection.
