Coming Home After Surgery: A Guide for Pet Owners

After your pet has undergone surgery at Chippawa Animal Hospital, it is important to follow specific guidelines from your veterinarian to ensure a smooth recovery. Below is a detailed breakdown of what to expect after surgery and how to best care for your pet during the recovery period.

How will my pet feel after surgery?

Immediately after surgery, your pet may exhibit some behavioural changes due to the effects of anesthesia, pain, and/or the stress of the procedure:

Lethargy/Depression & Wobbliness: It is common for pets to feel tired or wobbly in the first 24 hours as the anesthesia wears off. These symptoms should gradually disappear by the following day.
Upset Stomach: Due the fasting requirements for surgery and the anesthetic drugs, your pet may experience nausea or vomiting when eating for the first time after the procedure. Soft stools can also occur from medications and/or stress. If vomiting occurs before eating, refrain from offering food until the next day.
Behavioural Changes from Pain: Your pet may show subtle signs of discomfort, such as decreased appetite, lethargy, or hiding. More obvious signs like vocalization, restlessness, or excessive panting may indicate pain. To prevent discomfort, it is essential to follow the prescribed pain medication regimen from your veterinarian.
If you aren’t sure if your pet is recovering normally, please call us right away or contact the Niagara Veterinary Emergency Clinic.

Will there be any changes to my pet’s diet after surgery?

Proper nutrition plays a key role in your pet’s recovery. Here’s what you need to know about feeding your pet post-surgery.

For All Surgical Procedures:

Initial Feeding: When you return home, withhold food for 2 hours to allow your pet’s stomach to settle. You can offer small amounts of water when you get home.
Reintroducing Food: After the 2-hour window, if your pet hasn’t vomited, you can offer ¼ to ½ of their usual meal. If all goes well, you can offer the same amount of food again in 3-4 hours. Your pet can return to their normal diet once they’re stable and no vomiting occurs. Do not feed rich, fatty foods or things they aren’t used to. Do not feed raw food.

For Dental Procedures:

Softened Food: Feed your pet softened food for the next 14 days. If you are giving kibble, add water to soften it until it is no longer hard in the center. Canned food can also be offered.

What about going to the bathroom?

You may notice some changes in your pet’s bathroom habits after surgery, but these are typically temporary:

Increased Urination: Due to the intravenous fluids your pet received; they may need to urinate more frequently in the first 24-48 hours.
Bowel Movements: It is possible that your pet will not produce a bowel movement for 24-48 hours. This can be due to fasting before the surgery or the effects of anesthesia.
Your pet should only be allowed out on a leash to use the bathroom.
If any of these issues persist for more than 48 hours, contact our clinic for advice.

Will I have to give any medication?

Your pet may need post-surgery medications, depending on their procedure.

Pain Medication:

Most pets will be sent home with Meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to help prevent pain. Follow the prescribed dosage and always give it with food to avoid stomach upset. If you notice any vomiting, diarrhea, or blood in the vomit or stool, stop the medication and call your veterinarian. If this medication is working well, your pet may appear normal – keep giving it as instructed.

Other Medication:

Additional pain medications, antibiotics, or even sedatives may be prescribed following surgery. It is important to follow the label instructions for any/all prescriptions provided. These may be in the form of pills, liquids, and sometimes transdermal gel.
If you have any difficulty giving a medication, please let us know right away so we can offer tips. If necessary, our vets may suggest a change in medication.

Dental Procedures:

Vetradent Water Additive: Many pets will also be sent home with Vetradent, a water additive designed to prevent plaque and tartar build-up. Start by mixing small amounts with water and gradually increase to the recommended amount on the label. Keep a separate bowl of plain water available until you are sure your pet is accepting the additive.

Will my pet be able to do all their normal activities after surgery?

It is important to restrict your pet’s physical activity after surgery to ensure proper healing:

Rest: Limit activity for at least 3-4 days.
Avoid Running and Rough Play: No rough playing, jumping, or running. The goal is to avoid putting strain on the surgery site and prevent any complications. Stairs are fine so long as your pet takes them slowly, one step at a time. A leash may be helpful if needed, or a towel used like a sling under the belly.

What do I need to do for my pet’s stitches?

Taking care of your pet’s incision site is crucial to their recovery:

Prevent Licking or Scratching: Do not allow your pet to lick, chew, or scratch at the incision site. This can cause infection or interfere with healing. If you notice any redness, swelling, discharge, or a bad odor from the site, call us immediately. Similarly, unless otherwise instructed, do not apply liquids or creams to the incision.
Elizabethan Collar: If necessary, we may recommend an Elizabethan collar to prevent your pet from reaching the incision site. Alternatives such as a onesie are available if appropriate.
Suture Care:
- Dog & Cat Neuter Stitches: Sutures are absorbable and do not need to be removed.
- Dog Spay Stitches: Sutures must be removed 14 days post-surgery. An appointment will be scheduled for this when we discharge your pet.
- Cat Spay Stitches: Sutures are absorbable and do not need to be removed
- Dog & Cat Dental Stitches: This procedure typically uses absorbable sutures that do not require removal. However, you will still need to schedule a follow-up appointment 14 days post-surgery to ensure proper healing.

How will I know if everything is okay in my pet’s mouth after a dental procedure?

If your pet has undergone a dental procedure, here are some specific things to keep in mind during their recovery:

Slight Bleeding: It is normal for some blood to appear in your pet’s saliva after a dental procedure. However, if bleeding persists for more than a few hours, contact our clinic.
Mouth Care: Do not put your hands in your pet’s mouth while it is healing, as this can cause irritation or injury. Also, do not give them hard chew toys until after the follow-up appointment. Feed a diet of soft kibble or wet/canned food until their follow-up appointment.
Odor: Keep an eye on your pet’s mouth for any unusual odors. A bad smell can sometimes indicate an infection or issue that needs attention. Contact us if you smell anything abnormal.
Teeth Brushing: Please refrain from brushing your pet’s teeth until after the follow-up appointment. Once we give you the go-ahead, you can start brushing their teeth.

No sex?!

It is important to note that male dogs may still be fertile for up to two weeks after neutering. Hormone levels can remain elevated during this time, potentially stimulating your pet into sexual activity. To prevent any post-operative complications, ensure your pet is kept away from sexual activities for at least two weeks after surgery.

Final Thoughts

Post-surgery recovery is a critical time for your pet. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your furry friend heals quickly and comfortably. If you have any concerns during their recovery, don’t hesitate to contact Chippawa Animal Hospital, your vets in Niagara Falls. Our vet staff are here to support you and your pet every step of the way!