Comforting your dog post-surgery
(Keef Whiteman, BA - English & Psychology (UNISA), Student Canine Behaviourist Advisor at FOTD, & PA to Scotty Valadao)

Picture
Finding out your dog needs surgery is stressful enough. And even after the procedure’s over, and of course you want to make sure your dog has a quick and smooth recovery.... When dogs undergo surgery, their recovery time varies, depending on the type of surgery and the individual dog. Rest and pain relief are crucial to the healing process. Making sure your pet is given the chance to heal is very important to prevent infections or complications. The following tips will help you comfort your dog as they heal, speeding up recovery:
​
​
         Restrict your dog’s regular activity

  • Restrict your dog’s physical activity for 2 weeks after surgery.
  • Prevent them from participating in strenuous activities that could stress the wound.
  • Keep them inside as much as possible.

    Keep your dog on a short leash

  • When you do take your dog outside, keep them on a short leash.
  • This will prevent your dog from walking further than needed.
  • Afterwards, bring them back inside. 
  • The number of days you need to do this will depend on the surgery and how fast your pet is healing. But you’ll usually need to do this for at least 2 weeks.

          Keep your dog warm
​
  • When you return home from surgery, keep your dog warm by giving them a clean dog bed in a draft-free area where the temperature is around 20 degrees -24 degrees Celsius.

         Stay in touch with your veterinarian

  • Your vet will usually provide written post-op instructions when your dog goes home. You should also write down all your questions, so that you don’t forget to ask them.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for any additional written instructions you need when you pick your dog up after their procedure.
  • Following your vet’s directions is critical to keeping your dog comfortable after surgery.
  • Progressive vet practices follow the example of gold-standard human hospitals and will keep you updated every step of the way.

    Give your dog a quiet recovery space to heal
    ​
  • Set up a space for your dog in a quiet room away from distractions. You don’t need to confine your dog to a crate. However, you will find it easier to limit their movement if you contain them in a room or space where they can’t climb out or jump on anything. 
  • Move their food and water bowls to their recovery space so they always have access to fresh water, and they don’t have to go far to get to it.
  • A pen area is often the best choice for dogs who are not crate trained prior to their surgery.

    When can I bathe my dog?

  • The amount of time you should wait to bathe your dog after surgery may depend on the procedure.
  • If your dog has a routine surgery, like a spay or neuter operation, he should be good to go after 10 days, for example.
  • It is important to wait for the surgical incision to be completely healed, thereby preventing  infections and incision problems.

    Pain management

  • Your veterinarian will try to prevent your dog from being in too much pain following surgery. They may provide medication before the procedure starts to limit your dog’s pain after surgery.
  • Depending on your dog and the surgery, your vet may opt for added pain management approaches, such as an injectable pain medication and pills just after surgery.

    Keep the wound clean

  • Keep the wound clean using topical antiseptic wound cleaners.
  • Check the incision twice daily until healed.

    Plan your dog’s bathroom trips
    ​
  • Not only do you both have to learn how to walk with an Elizabethan collar, but you also need to limit certain movements and learn new ways to get around so as to not harm the surgical area.
  • For slippery floors you can lay down yoga mats or non-slip mats.
  • If you can’t avoid stairs, there are a couple of options.
  • Depending on the size of your dog and the type of surgery, carrying them up and down the stairs can sometimes be the easiest thing.
  • If your dog has had surgery on their back legs, you can use a sling to help them up and down the stairs. There are also front-leg and full-body slings.

    Please use the cone that your veterinarian recommends
 
  • A cone should be worn at ALL times on ANY pet with a bandage or splint to prevent them from chewing, causing damage to, moving it, or introducing bacteria from their mouth.
  • Ensure the cone is long enough that it reaches past your dog's snout. It should be at least one inch longer than their nose when the cone is pushed as far back down their neck as possible. This way, you can be satisfied that your dog won’t be able to get at any wound, especially if the surgical site is on a paw that they are easily able to reach when they bend or twist.
  • Dogs typically don’t like things such as bandages on their bodies and will, if given the chance, chew them off.
  • Under no circumstance is it recommended that you attempt to cobble together a cone, lick sleeve, surgical suit, etc., at home. This is for many reasons, with the number one being you could cause your dog far greater harm than any benefit.

                                                            Conclusion 

    The most important thing is to keep your dog comfortable while they’re recovering. A secure, peaceful place to recuperate, along with lots of love, will go a long way toward helping them heal properly and also keep them as calm as possible.
annum