A variety of scenarios can happen where your pet may need surgical intervention. Even after the procedure is over, a pet parent will continue to have a high level of anxiety owing to the dangers that were associated with the operation, regardless of whether it was an elective procedure or a medical emergency.
This is totally understandable, given that dogs and cats react precisely the same way humans do to the effects of surgery and anesthesia. The healing process is the same for them as for us, and you may speed up their recovery by providing post-surgery care.
Effective Post-Surgery Care
For the whole family, dog surgery is a difficult moment. Not only do they worry about the operation itself, but also about what will happen after it. On top of all your love and attention, they will need extra care. Read on to find out what you can do to help your pet get better after surgery.
1. Restrict Activity
Your pet may want to leap and play, but anesthesia or lethargy may prevent it. Some stubborn animals insist on physical activity. Even if your pet seems well, minimize its activities to avoid reopening the surgery incision.
Studies reveal that surgical incisions heal in 7 days; therefore, resting during this time will help. Your pet may be restricted for 3-6 weeks or longer for bone surgery. Consider keeping your pet in a comfortable crate or a small area where you can observe it. Make sure fresh water is handy to their beds, so they don’t have to walk far to hydrate.
2. Check on the Wound
It’s recommended to examine your pet’s incision site twice a day, once in the morning and in the evening, even beyond the first 24 hours. There should be very little redness and swelling and no discharge. Do not apply pressure to the incision, and always disinfect your hands before carefully inspecting the area.
It’s common to feel a hard knot or lump, and it’s nothing to be concerned about. However, if you see noticeable and persistent redness, swelling, or discharge from the wound, contact your veterinarian.
If the wound is infected you need the assistance of a vet to address the problem. You can also visit websites like affordAVetAC.com and contact them for a scheduled appointment and more information.
3. Give Prescribed Medications
Even if it seems that your pet looks to be recovering well, it must take all of its medicine, or its recovery may be hampered. Unfinished medications leave your pet vulnerable to infection and may lead to antibiotic resistance.
Since cats and dogs are like people when it comes to pain, the procedure will leave your pet uncomfortable and in pain. Never give your pet human painkillers. Paracetamol and some NSAIDs may be lethal to dogs and cats. Give vet-prescribed drugs only.
After your pet’s surgery you need to follow the instructions of the veterinary surgeon to ensure fast healing and recovery of your pet. A great vet will also give the directions for the proper administration of your pet’s medications.
4. Provide Nutritious Diet
Your pet may not have the appetite to eat due to post-op pain. Help your pet restore its appetite. Give something healthful, delicious, and simple to digest. Wet food is more pleasant than dry pellets; start with modest quantities and move up. Don’t push your pet to eat after surgery; it may vomit. Once your pet has gotten its appetite back, give it food that is high in calories and protein that is easy to digest. These are required for wound healing.
You can also consult a veterinary dentist for tips and suggestions on the proper diet of your pet. You can contact a reputable vet by typing in “vet dentist near me” in your search tab for scheduling and vet appointments.
5. Funnel-shaped Collar
It’s good to acquire your dog a funnel-shaped collar known as ‘Elizabethan’ or ‘Buster’ collars to keep them from licking, biting, or clawing their wound or bandage. Recently, most of these were made of plastic, but now you can also get them in softer fabrics, which your dog may find more comfortable.
Make sure the collar doesn’t interfere with your dog’s ability to eat or drink so that they can become accustomed to wearing it. Take the collar off anytime your pet needs a sip of water or a meal.
