-
Step 1
Your dog will be kept overnight at the veterinarian’s office after surgery. They will be able to monitor her and watch for any complications. For more intrusive surgeries like hip replacement or removing a tumor, she may need to stay longer in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Be sure to visit her once per day as this will help to put her mind at rest during a scary situation
-
Step 2
In cases of minor surgery, your vet may allow you to take him home the night of the surgery. Monitor behavior and food and water intake. Reactions from anesthesia may cause your dog to become disoriented or clumsy. Call the vet's emergency phone number if in doubt. They should be able to tell you over the phone whether she needs to come in or what you can do for her at home.
-
Step 3
Fix a pallet on the floor for the both of you if she is used to sleeping on the bed. Dogs that have stitches can easily tear them while climbing onto and off of furniture. This will also let you monitor her more closely during the night should she need you.
-
Step 4
Watch for signs of licking or pulling at stitches. Give her an “uh uh” if she does it a few times. If she bothers it more often, she will need to wear an e-collar. They look like giant cones placed on dogs heads, but they also prevent dogs from reopening incisions due to licking or biting.
-
Step 5
Keep the incision clean but do not give her a bath until after it is completely healed. If dirt and bacteria get inside, it can cause an infection. Instead, gently clean the area with water each day. You can also ask your vet for an antibacterial soap that can be used on dogs after surgery. Using alcohol and hydrogen-peroxide may remove the dirt, but they can also cause the area to reopen so only use if recommended by your vet.
-
Step 6
Limit daily exercise for 1-8 weeks depending upon the type of surgery. Keep her on leash when taking her potty. No running, no jumping, etc. If your dog requires complete crate rest, be sure to get her used to the crate for at least a month before the surgery.
After being spayed or neutered, dogs should be kept quiet for 7-10 days. Dogs recovering from hip replacement will need to be on crate rest for 1-2 months. Ask your vet how long your dog should be kept quiet so she can recover from surgery faster. -
Step 7
Feed her a quality dog food that has all of the recommended daily nutrients and vitamins so she can recover from surgery quicker. Remember to decrease the amount you feed her by 25-50% since she will not be exercising. It can be tempting to give her dog treats, but most have a higher caloric content than her food. If she is just dying for a treat, give her carrots or frozen dog treats (link to recipe below). Both are low in calories but offer a treat like taste.
Comments
mvalora said
on 9/9/2009 Very useful article on how to care for your dog after surgery.