The time following your pet's procedure is vital to its success. During this time you will not only want to tend to the incision area, but also to your furry friend's pain level. Today, our Southern Wisconsin vets talk about what to expect while your dog is recovering after surgery and some tips to help make it a success.
How can you help your dog recover after veterinary surgery?
The first few hours and days after your dog has veterinary surgery can be quite stressful. After all, you want to make sure that they heal without any issues. This makes it crucial to understand how you can take care of your dog and make them more comfortable once they are back home. This will help them get back to their routine as quickly as possible.
Once your dog is out of surgery, the vet will meet with you and provide you with any care instructions that you will need. You should follow these instructions exactly as they have been outlined. If you come across any points that you don't understand, be sure to ask for clarification. Even if you forget how to perform a specific instruction once you're home, it's best to call your vet and seek clarification. Your vet is here for you if you have any questions about aftercare or potential concerns for your pet after they undergo surgery.
There are some tips and advice you can follow to help you both during this recovery period:
Recovering After Anesthetic
Your dog will have been put under general anesthesia for their surgery. This helps to ensure that your pet stays comfortable for the duration of their surgical procedure. You may notice that your pet behaves differently for a short while after they get home as the effects of the general anesthetic wear off. If your dog is shaking or sleepy after their surgery then they likely just need more rest.
Your Dog Won't Eat after Surgery
If your dog won't eat after they've had surgery, it could just be from the anesthetic. To help your dog recover from surgery, try giving them a smaller portion of a light meal like chicken and rice, which is easier for them to digest compared to regular store-bought food. Usually, their appetite should improve within 24 hours after the surgery, and they can gradually switch back to their regular food.
You should reach out to your vet if your dog is still not eating 24 hours after their surgery. While it may not be anything concerning, it will be important to rule out any infections.
Reducing Your Dog's Pain After Surgery
After your dog's veterinary surgery is complete, the vet may prescribe medications to help manage any pain that they might experience and prevent infection from occurring.
Your vet will take the time to explain the dosage and frequency of any prescription medication that your dog will need. It is important to strictly follow the vet's instructions and seek clarification if you have any doubts to avoid unnecessary pain or side effects during your dog's recovery.
If your dog tends to get anxious or is easily stressed, the vet might also prescribe a sedative or anti-anxiety medication to help them stay calm while they heal.
You should never, under any circumstances, give your dog human medications. These can be fatal for dogs.
Keeping Your Pup Comfortable While They Recover
When you are back home with your dog you should let them get settled in a quiet part of the home away from both people and pets. By offering your dog a plush and snug bed with ample space to stretch out, you can minimize any potential strain on delicate or bandaged areas of its body.
What to Do if Your Dog is Coughing After Surgery
When your dog is given anesthesia, a special tube will be placed to help them breathe. This tube is inserted through the mouth and goes down to the lungs. It allows the dog to get oxygen and other necessary medications while they are under anesthesia. However, this tube can sometimes cause irritation and inflammation, resulting in coughing. Your veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to relieve this discomfort, and usually, the coughing improves within a week without treatment.
How to Prevent Your Dog From Jumping
One thing to keep in mind is that your dog should not spend any time running or jumping after they've had veterinary surgery. Sudden stretching and jumping can disrupt the healing process and possibly reopen the incision. Luckily, most surgeries won't require complete confinement, like being in a crate all the time, for recovery.
Your dog will do just fine with spending a few days inside, only leaving the house for bathroom breaks. However, it might be challenging to stop your dog from jumping on furniture they like to sleep on or climbing stairs. To prevent these behaviors for a few days, you may need to keep your dog in a safe and comfortable room when you can't directly watch them.
How Crate Rest Can Help After Veterinary Surgery
Most surgeries don't require crate rest, but orthopedic surgeries often do. Limiting your dog's movements is important for their recovery. If crate rest is deemed necessary there are a few ways you can help your dog transition comfortably. Here's how:
- Make sure the crate is big enough for your dog to stand and turn around.
- Consider getting a larger crate if your dog needs a plastic cone or 'E-Collar' to prevent licking.
- Ensure there's enough space for food and water dishes in the crate, without risking spills that could soil the bedding and bandages
Tips For Helping Your Dog Recover After Surgery
Keep an Eye on Their Stitches
Many vets now choose to place stitches on the inside of your dog's wound rather than the outside. Inside stitches dissolve as the incision heals. If your dog or cat surgeon uses outside stitches or staples they will typically need to be removed by your vet around 10 - 14 days after surgery. Your vet will let you know which type of stitches were used to close your pet's incision.
Make Sure the Incision Area Stays Clean
It can be tough to get your dog to leave the bandages and incision alone. One effective solution is a plastic cone-shaped Elizabethan collar, which comes in hard and softer versions. This collar effectively stops your dog from licking its wound.
While most dogs adapt to wearing a cone collar fairly quickly, some may have difficulties adjusting. In such cases, you can explore alternative options that are recommended by your vet. These options include donut-style collars or post-op medical pet shirts, which are effective and less bulky alternatives.
Ensure Their Bandages Stay Dry
Keeping the bandage dry is crucial to the healing process after surgery. When your dog goes outside, remember to cover the bandages with a plastic bag or cling wrap to shield them from the damp grass.
As soon as your pet comes back inside, remove the plastic covering from the bandage. Leaving the plastic over the bandage can cause sweat to accumulate and result in an infection.
Follow-up With the Vet as Needed
Routine follow-up visits a week or two after your dog's surgery can help your vet to note any potential concerns and to ensure that your pup is recovering well.
It is also essential that your dog's bandages aren't left on for too long following the procedure. Not changing the bandages at the right time could lead to pressure sores or even affect the blood supply to the area. Our veterinary hospitals have been trained in dressing wounds correctly. Bringing your dog in for a follow-up appointment allows your team of veterinary to change your pet's bandages properly to help keep your dog's healing process on track.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.