Preparing for your pet’s surgery can be stressful. Even if the procedure is relatively simple, there are many steps to take; many people get confused and ask themselves, “How do I prepare my dog for surgery? “What will I expect from my pet after having surgery?”. Certain aspects of prepping your dog for surgery are more important than others.

What do you need to know before and after surgery?

Your veterinarian will guide you on how to prepare your pet for surgery. For scheduling your surgery, make sure you read the instructions of your vet and be sure to clarify as many questions as you can to ensure that your procedure goes as swiftly as possible for you and your pet. Make notes as needed to ensure you remember the doctor’s advice.

Before Surgery

Updated Vaccines

Check to see that your pet’s vaccines are current and you know what vaccines are needed before surgery (often Rabies, Bordetella, distemper, and parvo). All vaccinations your pet does not have must be administered five days before surgery to protect them adequately. 

Pre-surgery lab checkups are also required to ensure our pets are fit for the operation. Before surgery, you can bring your pet to a pharmacy & lab for lab tests and other procedures.

Monitor Food Intake

Fasting before or during any dental or major surgery is required for people, and your pet is not an exception. Before the surgery, your vet will provide specific guidelines for your pet’s diet. The standard is to fast for 12 hours before the procedure; however, there are some exceptions.

Puppies and kittens will receive an enticing meal to keep them awake throughout the treatment. If your pet suffers from diabetes, it’ll receive breakfast and a shot of insulin each morning. Consult your vet regularly or visit their surgery and dentistry page regarding your pet’s food preferences to ensure that you and your pet are on the right path.

Provide a Calm Environment

Your pet will feel tired and in pain after surgery. Instead of waiting for you to create a comfortable and secure environment to recuperate in, prepare it ahead of time. Avoid having your pet trek between flights of stairs by choosing an area that is easily accessible.

You also want it to be where you can readily watch and care for them. You should ensure that food and drink are easily accessible so they can take a bite and drink. Make sure you keep the area still around them so they can get some much-needed sleep.

Post-Surgery

No Bath (10 Days Minimum)

Give at least ten days after stitches are put in before shampooing your pet. Remember that water might cause stitches to loosen, and washing contaminants, like water, can cause irritation to wounds and stitching. Consider using a waterless, non-rinse shampoo for your pet or putting a warm rag with a moist cloth over your pet’s coat to help them stay clean (while avoiding sutures).

Provide E-Collar

Keeping your pet from licking or chewing the stitches around the surgery site is part of the post-op pet care journey. That means your pet will have to wear the notorious “cone of shame,” also known as an E-collar or Elizabethan collar. Sure, they’ll be confused and might begin to walk strangely; however, this is for their excellent, and it will be only temporary.

Check Incision Site Daily

It is essential to check the area of the cut daily to ensure that it is healing properly. By checking it daily, you can easily spot an infection and seek advice from your veterinary surgeon on how to cure the problem (more than likely, they will prescribe medication to pets).

Conclusion

These are easy ways to keep you and your pet stress-free before and after surgery. It might be challenging, but it will aid you in minimizing the other elements that can cause problems for you and your pet after a surgical procedure. Make sure to contact your vet when things get out of control.