Surgery may be a tough and stressful time for humans. However, it’s no different when our four-legged buddies need particular surgery for their condition. Like humans, pets also need special post-surgery care for their protection during their recovery process.
While waiting for an important call from your veterinarian confirming your pet has woken up from the operation, you may be worrying about how to take care of your pet after surgery. Fortunately, you won’t have to fret about that, as that’s what we will tackle. So how do you care for a dog following a surgery?
Five Ways to Care for a Dog After Surgery
Surgeries can be daunting for pets and their owners. Their recovery process is not that complex and challenging, but the first couple weeks after surgery requires special care for your furry companion. Below we’ve prepared five simple pointers you can do for your pet’s swift recovery after surgery.
1. Have them use Elizabeth collars
If a pet has a wound they can simply reach, they will most likely lick it, and so will their fellow dogs. This is why keeping their “cone” or e-collar on is necessary to prevent them from licking their incision. Or else, it’ll only take a couple of minutes before your dog licks and bites out its stitches. Your vet might provide you with one, or you can purchase it from pet stores nearby.
Ensure you bring an e-collar with you when you take your pet to a veterinary surgeon specialist. Elizabeth collars must always be ready to avoid wound infections if your pet undergoes surgery.
2. Make an individual space for them
Even when your pet is awake after their surgery, the effects of anesthesia might still be visible. You might observe your pet wobbling and unable to stand or walk correctly. It is best to keep your pet in a contained and undisturbed area to prevent injuries.
If you plan to go out of town while your pet recuperates from surgery, you can take them to specialized pet boarding facilities that take care of pets recovering from surgery. You may visit their website to learn more about their services.
3. Ensure water is always available for them
Pets might not think they’re thirsty after their surgery since they might feel weak and lethargic because of the side effects of sedation. However, they will need more liquids than usual following a surgery. So keep a bowl of water near them so they can easily access it and ensure they are hydrated during their healing process.
4. Feed them light meals
A general anesthetic can make your dog feel queasy and lose appetite. Feed them roughly half their normal meal a few hours after your canine’s 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 dogs experience nausea following general anesthesia, dividing their meals by portion can lower the risk of vomiting and nausea.
Also, ensure your pet’s teeth remain in good condition so they will always have the appetite for the nutritious foods you serve. Routinely bringing them to pet dental professionals for dog teeth cleaning can help prevent gum disease or oral-related problems before they worsen.
5. Keep their incision site dry
For the first couple of weeks following your pet’s surgical operation, don’t bathe them. Take note of your veterinarian’s strict 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 allow them to lie in dirty or moist places.