Surgery can be scary for pets and owners. The recovery process is usually simple, but the first few days and weeks after surgery require special care and attention. To help them recovery as quickly as possible here are some of the best things you can do.
Keep your dog warm, but not hot. The effects of the anaesthesia wearing off will keep your dog’s temperature sensors from working in the first day or two. He won’t know if it’s hot or cold, so you have to help him out and adjust the temperature for him.
Keep him on the floor. Even if it seems like the anaesthesia is all gone, your pooch still might have an occasional stumble and fall off something like a bed, or down stairs in the first couple of days.
Keep him isolated from other animals and kids. The pain following surgery and disorientation from anaesthesia might make your pet act unusually for the first day or two. All symptoms will be temporary, so don’t worry if your best friend is a bit snappy.
Wound care after surgery helps dogs heal faster and reduces infections and other complications. Check to see the wound is staying closed and isn’t infected. Your vet should give you instructions for cleansing the wound (or leaving it alone).
Prevent licking – it might cause an infection or pull out sutures. If your dog has a wound they can reach, they’ll probably try to lick, and so will their doggie friends. Again, that means isolating your dog from other pooches, and placing a “cone-of-shame,” or e-collar on.
Walk your dog on a leash – Around the house and going outside to the toilet keep you dog on a lead to avoid them running and jumping.
Keep it dry. Avoid baths for the first couple of weeks in most cases. If it’s wet outside, make sure to keep the incision site dry if you’re going for a walk. If it’s on the underbelly, don’t let them lay down where it’s wet or dirty.
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