Eight Ways On How To Care For A Pet After Surgery

Sadly, our pets don't understand that they've been through an operation, so it's up to the owners to help them recover. Below are the list of things you need to know for successful home care after surgery.

Understand Post-operative Care Instructions

Before you discharge your pet, your vet will immediately give you detailed instructions on how to take care of your pet after surgery. Pay special attention when you are informed about medications, dressing methods, dietary or exercise restrictions, etc. Don't be afraid to ask your vet for clarification if you're confused about any detail. And if you get home and still have queries, call the vet again.

Rest

After surgery, your pet will need to rest, even if it seems to be quite awake and energetic. Provide them with a warm and quiet place where they can relax, with minimum interference and a comfortable bed.

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Monitor

Watch for spreading or increased redness, or for seeps like pus. These are signs of infection, and you must call your veterinarian that did the surgery instantly. It is the instinct of the pet to lick, so keep it from hurting the incision, as licking causes bacteria.

Exercise

Limit the activity of your pet for 7 to 14 days after surgery. Do not allow other pets or children to run, jump or fight. Keep your pet in a clean, dry place at least 4 to 5 days after surgery. Males stay fertile for 3 to 4 weeks after surgery, so keep them separate from females. Don't leave your pet unsupervised outside for the next 5 to 7 days.

Diet

It's best to take the recommendations of your vet on how to feed your pet after surgery, as they may suggest a specific post-surgery diet. As in many situations it is fine to feed the dog with their regular food, it is suggested to feed smaller meals more often than not for 24 hours after anesthesia.

Medications

It is extremely important for your pet's health that you implement the schedule of medications exactly and give the prescribed medication for the duration of time suggested. A plastic pill box can help you remember to give your pet pills. Most drugs are administered the day they have been released from the hospital.

Baths

After the second week after surgery, most pets can have a gentle bath if there is no splint, cast or bandage. If you take them to groomers, please tell them not to provide long periods of standing and not to induce vigorous activity.

Bandages, Stitches Or staples

Keeping bandages dry at all moments is another key component that helps your pet's incision to recover fast. When your pet goes outdoors, make sure that the bandages are covered with a plastic bag or cling wrap to prevent them from damp or wet grass. Remove the plastic protection as soon as your pet is indoors. Leaving the plastic over the bandage may cause sweat to collect under the bandage and cause infections.

Irrespective of the type of stitches used by your veterinarian, you will still need to prevent your pet from licking the wound in order to prevent infection and cure the wound.

Elizabethan Collar

Elizabethan collars are easily removable and could be put back when required. Only if prescribed by your veterinarian, the collar must only be removed if you are monitoring your pet. Most pets will learn to eat, sleep, and be normal in a day or so. wearing a collar for a few days may reduce the risk of serious self-injury and prevent further veterinary treatment.

When To Call The Vet

If you think there is something wrong with your pet once you head back home after surgery, it's always necessary to get advice from your vet right away. Some of the important signs to watch out for, include:

• Sleepiness and lethargy lasting more than 48 hours after surgery;

• A cough lasting more than 5 days

• If the bandage of your pet gets wet, or the paws or legs below the bandage appear swollen.

• Missing stitches or open wounds

• Your pet chewing or licking their stitches (the vet would provide you with a collar and would want to check that all stitches are still in place)

• If their wound looks red or swollen, or if there is bleeding or discharge that you didn't expect.

• Their wounds or bandages begin to smell bad.

• They appear to be unwell or show any other signs such as vomiting or diarrhea.

• Not eating food for more than 48 hours after surgery.

If you're not confident about something, it's better to call your veterinarian.