Pre-surgery can be a tough time for both you and your pet. You may be anxious about the upcoming procedure and worried about your pet’s safety and comfort. You can do some steps to make pre-surgery easier for you and your pet.
Read on to find out more.
1. Talk to your veterinarian about your concerns.
Your vet is the best and first person to talk to about veterinary surgery. They can answer any questions you have and help put your mind at ease.
For instance, most soft tissue operations are typically considered low risk. However, if your pet has a heart condition or other health concerns, the surgery may be more complicated and have a higher risk.
2. Ensure your pet is healthy before surgery.
Before any veterinary surgery, your pet needs a physical examination. Laboratory tests may be performed, such as vet diagnostic imaging (x-rays, ultrasounds, etc.), to know if your animal companion is healthy enough for surgery and anesthesia.
Your veterinarian will also check for any underlying health conditions that could complicate the surgery. For example, if your dog has diabetes, they may need special care during and after surgery.
Your veterinarian will choose the best anesthetic for your pet based on their health, age, weight, and the type of surgery being performed.
You can help your pet relax before surgery by:
- Giving them a treat
- Giving them a toy to play with
- Brushing their fur
- Talking to them in a calm voice
These things will help your pet to relax and feel comfortable before surgery.
3. Follow all of the pre-surgery instructions your veterinarian gives you.
A few things you may be asked to do include:
- Not feeding your pet for a certain period before surgery
- Restricting your pet’s water intake before surgery
- Bringing along any medications that your pet is currently taking
- These instructions are important and must be followed to ensure a smooth surgery.
- Stay with your pet during the surgery.
If you can, stay with your dog during the surgery. This can help calm them down and make them feel more comfortable. Some veterinarians will even allow you to stay in the room with your pet during the surgery. If this is impossible for you, you may ask the staff to keep you updated on how your pet is doing.
If your dog needs surgery at night or weekend because of an accident, you must take them to a 24/7 vet clinic or hospital. Not all animal facilities provide vet services during off-hours, so it’s essential to call ahead and find out your options. Visit this page for more info about pet emergencies.
4. Stay calm.
Your pet can sense your anxiety, so try to stay calm. This helps them relax and makes them feel comfortable. If you’re nervous, try to take some deep breaths and focus on positive thoughts.
5. Prepare your home for your pet’s return.
After surgery, your pet will need some time to recover. This means that they will need a quiet place to rest and heal. Make sure to remove any hazards from your home, such as stairs, before your pet comes home. You may also want to create a makeshift bed for them out of a box or crate lined with towels.
6. Get everything you need for post-surgery care.
Before your pet comes home from surgery, ensure you have everything you need for their post-surgery care. This includes:
- A clean towel or blanket for them to rest on
- An Elizabethan collar (cone) to prevent them from licking their incision
- Any medications that your veterinarian has prescribed
- A clean bowl for food and water
- You may also want to prepare soft, easy-to-digest food in case your pet is not feeling up to eating their regular food.
Remember that when your pet comes home from surgery, they will be dizzy and disoriented from the anesthesia. It’s also necessary to watch out for them closely so they don’t injure themselves.
This means no running, jumping, or playing for at least two weeks. Depending on the surgery type, your pet may need to stay calm even longer. Follow all of the instructions given to you by your veterinarian.
Remember
Your pet’s surgery is a big deal, and they will need some time to recover. With some rest and care, your pet will return to their old self in no time. Always stay calm and follow your veterinarian’s instructions to ensure a smooth and successful surgery.
