It’s difficult to remember all the details the vet gives when following their surgery!
When your beloved furry friend undergoes surgery, it’s a scary, anxious, and nerve-racking time, and finally, when they’re out, you’re just relieved that everything went well, that all the post-care instructions your vet gives you slips your mind. This is common and we completely understand!
The Vet Set is here to support your pet’s wellness through prevention and, when needed, surgery. It’s important to know how to care for your pet post-surgery, so take a moment today and learn more about what you can do after a pet’s surgical procedure.
Aftercare For Pets Post-Surgery
Once you’re reunited with your pet you don’t always hear all the details or ask the questions you need because you’re overcome with relief and excitement that your pet is well. While it’s common to provide handouts to take home to address care for your pet after surgery, it can get lost in the transition of everything. Below we’ll address common things you can do to help your pet recover after surgery.
Help keep your pet calm.
Anesthesia can affect your pet differently every time they go under, so even though they were out and about playing after last time, it could be a different story this time.
The best way you can accommodate your pet is by keeping them calm and relaxed, and sometimes this means quarantining them. Keep them in a quiet, comfortable space where they can rest and find refuge in if they seem a little out of it.
They may need to just rest so a confined space provides the opportunity to heal in peace — especially if you have a home with other animals.
Help your pet in temperature regulation.
When pets are coming off of anesthesia, their body can be overwhelmed and have a difficult time maintaining their body heat. It’s important to help them stay warm in this time of healing so give them ample blankets they can curl up in to stay toasty and comfortable.
Monitor your pets food and water.
It is encouraged to have your pet eat and drink after surgery, but always check with your vet beforehand. If you need to, give your vet a call and check in about what needs to happen — it’s never pleasant for your pet to have to deal with vomiting or an upset stomach as a result eating too soon after surgery.
Create a safe environment.
Anesthesia can leave your pet a bit disoriented and things like their coordination and perception may be impaired, so do a once over before they come home and ensure it’s a safe place for them to roam.
Remove any tripping hazards such as cords or rugs and block the stairs and sharp corners if they’re prone to falling.
Be gentle with your pet.
If your pet has bandages or splints, they may have a hard time getting around — things like jumping onto the couch, or even get out to the backyard to use the bathroom, may be a chore for your pet.
If you have to help them get around, be gentle and mindful of their post-surgery site.
Be mindful of the other pet interactions.
If you have other pets at home, it’s important to keep an eye on what they’re all doing. Although dogs can be elated that their friend is home, cats can be more aggressive and view the animal as foreign because of the new smells and different behavior the pet may have.
Greeting the others may be too much at first which is why a quarantined spot is important — for everyone’s health and safety.
Post-surgery can be a confusing time but when you have an idea or checklist of what to do, it can make the transition better for everyone — animals included!
To learn more about the vet services we offer in our Carroll Gardens office, reach out today!