Your Dog After Surgery
Pet surgery is a scary time for both dog and owner. Following the procedure, your best friend will probably act differently than normal as their bodies heal and return to full health. While it might be a bit more challenging, these steps will make the recovery process much easier for you and your canine companion.
Keep Them Comfy
If they’ve had any type of surgery, it can be assumed they will need time for the anesthesia to wear off. During this time and for a few days after while they heal, it will be up to you to make sure they are comfortable and remain at a comfortable temperature. Since they won’t be able to physically adjust themselves like before, they’ll look to you for help.
Keep Them Alone
Due to the drugs and potential pain, your pooch will probably be grumpy, leading them to snap at things they would otherwise ignore. Keep kids, other pets and even visitors away until your pet is back to their usual happy self.
Walk Them Regularly
The fluids they’ve been given and other medications will no doubt have an effect on their bathroom habits. Because they probably won’t give you their tried and true signal that it’s time to head out, set up a regular schedule for trips outside. This should happen every few hours. In addition, make sure they sleep on things you won’t mind washing if they happen to have an accident in the middle of the night.
Watch them Drink
Though you do need to keep water nearby to make sure your sick pup drinks enough, always monitor when they drink as some drowsy dogs can fall asleep in their water bowls and drown. Also, always keep some bland food nearby for them to eat when they feel hungry. Offer this in small doses since they may have bouts of nausea for a few days.
Keep the Leash Short
When you do your walks, keep your pet on a short leash to prevent them from accidentally hurting themselves again. Even if they look like they’re ready to run a marathon, force them to take it slow for as many days as is recommended by the vet to ensure full healing happens. Exertion too early on can reopen wounds.
Keep the Area Dry
For the first few weeks, it’s important to keep the incision area absolutely dry to avoid any chance of infection. This means no bathing and extra precautions if you have to go outside in the rain. Some owners cover the site with plastic before heading to a spot they know will be even the slightest bit damp.
Care for the Wound
Finally, it is imperative you care for the wound exactly how the vet tells you to. Even though they cleaned up everything, your dog’s body still needs to add the final touches to close everything up again. If anything appears strange, call your vet immediately.