Surgeries are an unpleasant, but necessary, part of life for people and pets. The days and weeks following any surgery are an important time of rest and recovery, and having a devoted caretaker at home is absolutely essential for proper healing to occur.
We take post surgical pet care seriously at Pets In Stitches, which is why we make sure to provide pet owners with the detailed post operative instructions, medications, and check ups a pet needs following surgery. Because the majority of your pet’s healing will occur at home, their complete recovery is largely dependent on the care and consideration they receive from you and other dedicated family members.
Post Surgical Pet Care Basics
Each pet’s recovery period will vary depending on the type of surgery performed and the age and health of the pet. In general, the following post surgical pet care instructions should give you a good overview of what to expect after surgery:
- Limited activity – Decreased activity after surgery is essential for proper healing. We typically recommend limiting your pet’s activity for 7 days following surgery to ensure that the wound has time to fully close. Make sure your pet has a warm, dry, quiet spot to rest.
- Incision care – Your pet’s incision site should be checked daily for 7 days and any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or drainage, reported to us. Preventing your pet from licking or chewing the wound is important, and may require a post-surgical collar (which are available here at Pets In Stitches).
- Medication – Follow your veterinarian’s instructions for medication administration, and be sure to finish the full course even if your pet seems to be feeling better. Never attempt to increase, decrease, or substitute your pet’s medication with human medication or home remedies without first discussing it with our veterinarian.
- Monitoring – It’s important to be alert to any signs of trouble in the days following your pet’s surgery. Call us immediately if you notice a change in your pet’s appetite or elimination habits, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or any thing else out of the ordinary.
Beating The Down-Time Blues
Even the most laid back pet can get bored quickly during the postoperative confinement period. Making sure your pet gets plenty of attention and is provided with safe activities can reduce boredom and help to prevent them from licking or chewing on the suture site. Talk with your veterinarian about the use of food puzzles, treat-filled kongs, or chew toys during the recovery period.
Please don’t hesitate to contact your team at Pets In Stitches with your questions or concerns regarding your pet’s surgery and recovery process.
