How to care for a dog after surgery?

Surgery for our four-legged friends always leaves a trace of uncertainty and fear that is difficult to control, but it is important in treating diseases that can prematurely take our friend away from us. First and foremost, remember the most important thing - YOUR DOG FEELS YOUR STRESS! We must keep negative emotions in check, because our calmness is one of the factors that affects how medications work. Most veterinarians provide guidelines and how to prepare your dog for the procedure and everyone mentions that the dog should eat less than usual the day before the surgery, and should not eat anything about 12 hours before the procedure. Drinking, however, can certainly be left in an accessible place for the dog. However, always ASK YOUR VETERINARIANS about such matters. The so-called fasting period depends on the dog, and above all, on its state of health. Longer walks or increased activity, if that was the daily routine, should wait. Outdoor excursions should be limited only to the dog's needs. The best thing you can do for your pet then is to stay calm and think positively.

How do dogs behave after surgery?

There is no template that tells us what to expect after dog surgery; the behaviors that appear can vary: whining, trembling, balance disturbances, agitation, sitting still, or nervously looking around are sure to occur. For the first few hours, the dog remains in the clinic under the strict control of veterinarians who monitor the pet's recovery from anesthesia. Nevertheless, you must carefully observe your dog! Any alarming symptoms or doubts should be immediately consulted with the veterinarian who performed the procedure! Persistent vomiting and drowsiness are already indicators that we should go to the veterinary clinic as soon as possible. Remember not to administer ANY MEDICATIONS on your own to a dog after anesthesia! Every pet receives painkillers and post-operative instructions, as well as information about the possible dosage of other pharmaceutical agents from the veterinarian.

Protection and transport of a dog after surgery

After the dog wakes up from anesthesia, its body temperature deviates from the norm because the thermoregulation center has been disturbed, not to mention that the dog is overly sensitive to external stimuli. A blanket and a carrier are essential items to bring to the clinic to pick up your dog. If the dog is larger, calmly carry it to the car and place it in a pre-prepared spot.

First moments at home - how to prepare?

Prepare a bed for your dog and place a towel or blanket on it to serve as an absorbent pad. This will certainly be needed because bloody discharge may ooze from the wound, and it will be easier to keep the wound clean by later changing the pad and cleaning it with a solution prepared by the veterinarian. The resting place after the procedure should be arranged to ensure complete peace for the dog. Less light, fewer sounds - remember that the dog is overly sensitive to such things after anesthesia. Of course, cover your pet with a blanket to guarantee warmth, which it greatly needs. Many owners use protective socks for dogs, which is also a great idea to help the dog warm up. Be careful about attempts to lick or bite the wound - do not allow the dog to pull out its stitches from the surgical site. This will only prolong healing and can also lead to various complications. If we see the dog trying to get up, stop it! This could result in additional injury, so don't risk it. It is best if the dog is under constant supervision - the owner must keep an eye on the dog all the time, and of course, no food or water should be given. This could lead to vomiting or choking, which can be particularly dangerous for a dog after such an operation. An important element is observing the dog and paying attention to the information directly provided by the veterinarian. Every operation brings different side effects or complications, so don't be afraid to ask even the simplest questions - after all, it's about your pet's life. The appearance of blood from body openings such as the respiratory tract, digestive tract, or blood during vomiting is a sign that you need to immediately consult the doctor who performed the procedure or go to the nearest clinic for help. Larger bleeding from the surgical site should also be checked.

How to help your dog recover faster after surgery?

After 2-3 days, the dog should feel better, but this does not mean it can immediately return to its usual activity. For at least two weeks, the dog should be rested – short walks, only for its needs. The dog should eventually regain its appetite and desire to drink – if you observe any problems here, a visit to the veterinary clinic will be necessary; such issues should be consulted. Above all, make sure the dog does not jump, try to get on beds or sofas, and stair climbing must be minimized. Similarly, do not lift the patient, as this could lead to an abdominal hernia if the surgical site was in that area. Do not forget about the wound – clean it with the medication prescribed by the veterinarian and prevent improper wound healing by the dog licking the incision site. Post-operative clothing for dogs or even Elizabethan collars will help us ensure this.

Protective clothing and garments for dogs after surgery

After surgery, we usually receive a post-operative garment for the dog from the veterinarian, which is intended to protect the surgical site. However, you can also purchase an Elizabethan collar if you know that such protective clothing will not be effective and the dog will find a way to get to the wound. In my experience, sometimes even a collar was not enough, as I had to have three in reserve, and then I glued them with silver tape found in the closet, just to withstand the pressure of Bernese paws. Similarly, the bodysuit should be changed to a new one. I recommend buying cotton clothing - discharge from the post-operative area can be troublesome, and everything must be kept clean until the stitches are removed. Loose, simple sweaters that fasten on the back are very helpful in such moments. Lacking the ability to buy such clothing, I also managed with cotton materials - I cut four holes for the paws and cut strips from the top, which helped me tie the whole thing on the dog's back. A simple home trick, but effective if the discharge is larger or the dog is vomiting and you have nothing to change your dog into. Remember that no matter how much the thought of surgery frightens you, or how scared you may be, you are doing it solely for the good of your friend, and the owner's positive attitude alone can work wonders.