Surgery can be incredibly stressful on anybody, especially when it’s performed on your pet. That’s why it’s important that you know just how to take extra care of your pet while they’re recovering. While it’s impossible to tell how long recovery will take, there are clues that show fast your pet might recover. Things like their health, age, and procedure type factor into the speed at which they'll get back to feeling better.
After surgery your pet will need to rest
Immediately following surgery, your pet will likely be sleepy and lethargic for the first 12-24 hours. That’s why it’s crucial that you let them rest with minimal movement throughout those initial hours. To keep your pet as cozy as possible, you may want to give them plenty of bedding or blankets. Keep in mind these might come in contact with the site of the wound so having clean bedding is important. Dimly lit, quiet rooms will help give your pet a sense of calm and allow them the space to rest.
Limit their movement
If your pet moves too much right after surgery, they run the risk of not healing properly (or at all). This means that if your dog or cat is particularly hyper, you may need to put them in a space that makes it hard for a lot of activity. Confining your pet and restricting their movement will encourage them to slow down and focus on healing.
Pay particular attention to the medications prescribed to your pet
When you leave the veterinarian’s office or pet ER, you’ll receive instructions on any post-op medications to use. It’s incredibly important to pay attention to the instructions on when and how to use these. Some of the antibiotics given may help prevent infection and others can help relieve any post-op discomfort or pain. To make sure your pet is getting the care they need, following these instructions can be the key.
Check the wound often for any sign of infection
Infections happen, especially around the site of an incision. Keeping your pet comfortable and following medical instructions can help and monitoring the site of a surgical incision alone is your best bet. If you are unsure of how to check for signs of infection, make sure to consult your veterinarian before leaving the hospital. Infections can be extremely painful, so it’s important you check the wound often and take the proper steps to fixing it should you suspect infection.
While some procedures can be done without anesthesia, there are often times when the surgery needs to be done for a pet that is asleep. The AVMA recommends a few key things to reduce your pet’s risk with anesthesia. First, you’ll want to make sure your veterinarian is aware of all medications and supplements your pet is taking. You should also mention if they have ever had a reaction before to anesthesia. You’ll also want to follow your veterinarian’s instructions before anesthesia, especially regarding food and medications.
Following these steps will help lead your pet to a speedy recovery, but it’s important you check in with your veterinarian before driving away after the appointment. Because each surgery affects every pet differently and some are more invasive than others, there may be extra steps you need to follow. If you have any questions about how to help your pet recover from surgery or would like to schedule a consultation, reach out to our team at the Bregman Veterinary Group today! Just remember, a little bit of rest, relaxation and care will go a long way and help your best friend to feel better in no time!
