Essential Post-Operative Care for Your Pet

After surgery, your pet needs careful monitoring and a clear plan to ensure proper healing. Use the following guide as a step-by-step checklist for your pet’s recovery.

1. Incision Management

• Daily Inspection:
  
  • Check the incision area several times a day until it’s fully healed.
  • Look for signs such as redness, swelling, unusual puckering, oozing, pus, or bad odor.
  • Ensure sutures or staples remain intact and secure.
  • Drainage should be minimal, if any, and last only a day or two.
• Cleaning Protocol:
  
  • If the area gets dirty, gently clean it with mild hand soap and lukewarm water.
  • Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel.
  • Avoid unnecessary touching to minimize infection risk.
• Licking Concerns:
  
  • Any licking may irritate the incision and lead to complications.

2. Medication Administration

• Dosing Guidelines:
  
  • Follow the prescribed medication schedule exactly and complete the full course.
  • If a dose is missed, do not double the next one; simply resume the regular schedule.
• NSAID Considerations:
  
  • Always give NSAIDs with food to help prevent stomach upset.

3. Nutrition, Hydration, and Elimination

• Feeding & Drinking:
  
  • A slight decrease in appetite during the first 24 hours can be normal.
  • If your pet isn’t eating or drinking within 24–36 hours after returning home, contact your veterinarian.
  • Always provide fresh water.
• Bowel Movements:
  
  • It is normal for bowel movements to be delayed by 1–3 days post-surgery.
  • If there is no stool within 72 hours, add a tablespoon of canned pumpkin to the food and notify your veterinarian.
• Bathing Restrictions:
  
  • Do not bathe your pet until after sutures or staples are removed, typically around 14 days post-operation.

4. Protective Measures: The E-Collar (Elizabethan Collar)

• Purpose:
  
  • Prevents your pet from licking, biting, or scratching the incision, which can cause infection or dislodge stitches/staples.
• Types and Usage:
  
  • Available in various styles such as hard plastic, fabric, or inflatable models.
  • Consult your veterinary team to determine the most suitable type for your pet’s surgical site.
• Practical Considerations:
  
  • Eating may be more challenging with the collar on.
  • If the collar is removed even briefly, closely supervise your pet to prevent access to the incision.

5. Activity Guidelines

• Movement Restrictions:
  
  • Limit your pet’s activity to short, leashed walks for the first 14 days post-surgery.
  • Avoid running or any vigorous exercise that could strain the incision.

Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth and safe recovery for your pet. If you have any concerns or notice unusual signs, please consult your veterinarian immediately.