If you know the best ways to take care of your pet following surgery correctly and adequately, you’ll be able to return your pet to normal as quickly as you can and be prepared for any issues that the procedure might trigger. Knowing how to take care of your pet following surgery is essential to help your pet return to its normal active and healthy lifestyle. However, the procedure can be difficult for you and your pet, so you should be knowledgeable about how to take care of your pet following surgery.
What kind of procedure are you concerned about?
Whatever type of surgery your pet is scheduled to undergo, your vet or vet surgeon will be sure to provide you with appropriate postoperative treatment recommendations. There could be specific and crucial instructions given for your pet’s procedure, so follow your veterinarian’s instructions. Some simple tips can aid in keeping your pet secure and at ease while they recover and get back to their normal routines. Or you may search their surgery page for more information.
What to Expect After Surgery
Most surgeries will need your animal to undergo general anesthesia. General anesthesia makes your pet unconscious and prevents the animal from feeling discomfort during the procedure; however, it may take time to let the effects fade. Anesthesia can make your pet feel drowsy and unstable when it’s on its feet. These are typical side effects and will improve after a few hours of rest.
Feeding After Surgery
Anesthesia can make your pet feel nauseous, as well as less hungry. Rice and chicken are easier to digest than store-bought pet food following surgery. Your pet’s appetite should return after 24 hours of surgery, and they should normally be eating. If your pet’s appetite does not come back within 48 hours, you should consult Montecito animal hospital for instructions regarding infection or pain that can lead to appetite loss.
Managing Pain After Surgery
The veterinarian, vet, or nurse veterinarian will discuss the best way to administer pain medications for your pet following surgery. Follow the advice of your veterinarian to ease your pet’s pain while healing. The healing process can cause discomfort at the site of incisions and other places. Following surgery, pets receive antibiotics and painkillers. If your pet is anxious, your vet at an animal internal medicine clinic may prescribe a sedative or an anti-anxiety medication.
Keep Your pet Comfortable
Giving your pet a comfortable place to rest is vital following surgery. The incision site could be stretched and straining when your pet curls up on a bed that is small to rest, which is why you might want to consider investing in an extra-large bed. It is possible to accelerate your pet’s recovery from surgery by letting them stretch out to ensure that there isn’t any additional stress on the areas prone to injury or bandages on their body.
Limiting Movement & Confinement
Veterinarians advise limiting the pet’s activities and mobility following surgery, regardless of the reason. Reopening the incision could occur if the pet makes a sudden stretch motion which disrupts healing.
Caring for Your Pet’s Incision Site
Your pet could bite, chew or scratch at the wound or bandages. Cone-shaped plastic collars help keep pets from getting wounds. Suppose your pet is struggling with the cone collar. Donut-style collars and post-surgery jumpsuits are more comfortable alternatives. Consult your vet if your pet can’t rest in a cone collar.
Follow-Up Appointment
Check-ups after follow-ups enable your doctor to look for signs of infection before they turn serious. After surgery, bandages should not be left on for too long. Inadequately changing bandages could cause pressure sores and decrease the flow of blood. Veterinarians are trained to treat wounds properly. The professionals should change the bandages to ensure that your pet’s healing stays in good shape.
Keeping Your Pet Happy While They Recover
Pets aren’t able to comprehend the signs of recovery. They might be upset due to their inactivity, an itchy incision, and lack of exercise; therefore, it’s important to comfort your pet differently. Doing a gentle petting or talking to your pet can help them feel comfortable and at peace.
