Dog Surgery Aftercare

Surgery can be an unpleasant experience for your dog. Their health and happiness need to give your pet the best post-surgery care.

What to Expect After your Dogs Surgery

Dogs are usually given general anaesthetic when being operated on. This will leave them sleepy post operation. When collecting your dog after their surgery, as with any dog after anesthesias, it’s likely for them to be wobbly on their feet. It is likely that your dog will need to take further medication after an operation which will be given to you by the vet. This medication could be in the form of anti-inflammatories, antibiotics and pain relief. Uncomfortable and confused, in most cases dogs will need to sleep off the effects of the anaesthetic. It is advised to let them sleep, giving them some peace and quiet without being disturbed. In some cases, disorientated dogs after surgery may show aggression which may persist until your dog fully recovers from the pain of the surgery.

What Kind of Food Should you Give your Dog After Surgery?

While all dogs respond differently to surgery, a common post-surgery side effect is a lack of appetite. This is normal, and most dogs won’t eat after surgery. It is likely caused by nausea from the anaesthetic and general discomfort from the surgery. Although not ideal, this is perfectly normal, and your dog can go a day without eating without adverse side effects. 

Here are some tips to help your dog eat post surgery:

Warm up their food

Adding warm water to dry food will make it soft and easier for your dog to eat. Heating food in the microwave can also enhance its smell making it more enticing for them to eat it.

Give your Dog Tastier Protein or a Home Cooked Meal

If your dog doesn’t eat their food, prepare a home-cooked meal of chicken and rice. This could also be substituted for other carbs and protein as long as it isn’t too rich so as not to upset their already sensitive stomach further.

Hand Feed your Dog

Gently hand-feeding your dog small bits of cooked chicken may encourage them. Make sure not to rush them or force them to eat.

Feed your Dog Baby Food

Baby food is easy to digest with no chewing required so this may be a good option to get your dog eating after surgery.

Manage your Pets Pain After Surgery

Your vet will start pain management for your pet before their procedure begins. Managing your pet’s pain is always a priority, but it is essential after invasive procedures. When bringing your pet home after surgery, following your vet’s instructions carefully and consistently is critical. The specific aftercare medication will depend on the nature of the surgery. Still, a dog anti-inflammatory (NSAID) will generally be the base of your dog’s medicines, with the possibility of other added medication.

Care for your Dogs Surgery Wounds

After the stress of surgery, allowing your dog to rest in familiar territory is best. Although it is recommended to leave them in peace, keeping them under close observation during the first 24 hours after surgery is also important. Dogs will sometimes lick their wound, and they may need to wear a cone. Alternatively, they could wear a surgical recovery suit for dogs if your dog won’t sleep in a cone.

Recovery Times and Follow Up Appointments

Operations involving soft tissue, such as neutering and abdominal surgery, will recover quicker than those involving bones, ligaments or joints. After six weeks of healing, your pet should fully recover from soft tissue operations. Bone and ligament operations will take significantly longer and depend on the surgery’s extent. Always take your vet’s advice and go to all scheduled follow-up appointments.

If you are concerned about the rate at which your pet is recovering, it is advised to contact your vet.