How to care for your pet after surgery?
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There are many ways you can care for your pet after surgery, but what’s most important is that you do it. Your pet needs love and care to recover from surgery just as much as you do, and the more support they can get, the better. Here are some tips to get you started.
Keep your pet’s bandage clean
One of the most important things you can do after your pet is spayed or neutered is to keep their incision clean and free from infection. If your vet has provided you with a special bandage, follow their instructions and keep it clean so that your pet’s incision can heal quickly. The best way to do this is by washing the bandage daily and changing it every 2-3 days. Ask your vet if you are unsure how to care for it; they may also suggest you buy some particular aftercare product, such as pet bandages or antibiotic ointment, that helps prevent infection.
Keeping your dog comfortable when they get home
Your dog may be groggy after surgery and a bit hard to handle at first, so the best thing you can do is make sure they are resting comfortably. Put their crate somewhere that they will feel safe, such as near you, and let them rest while they recover. While they may not want to lie down or sleep, try to make them as comfortable as possible. One way to do this is by filling a water bottle with warm water and putting it in the crate with them or letting them sleep on a special blanket you can wash later.
Feeding after surgery is important
The last thing you want is for your pet to be anxious about eating after surgery, so make sure that you make feeding easy for them. Your vet might recommend you feed your dog smaller meals throughout the day, or they may suggest adding a special diet to your pet’s kibble that can help aid in digestion. The important thing is that you give them a good meal while recovering and try to make sure they don’t feel too stressed or anxious.
Prevent infection
One of the biggest causes of post-surgical infection is licking the incision site. Ideally, your dog should be put on a particular antibiotic ointment or pill to prevent this from happening. However, if you do not want to use medication, at least make sure that you wash your dog’s incision daily with very warm water and soap. If you don’t have any antibacterial soap, using regular soap and a washcloth or soft brush is usually just as effective. The best thing you can do for your pet’s incision after surgery keeps it clean and free from infection.
Follow your vet’s post-op instructions
Depending on your pet’s condition and needs, your vet will tell you to do many different things after surgery. Just make sure that you follow their instructions carefully to get the best care possible for your pet. The point of going to the vet is to get them healthy and happy again, so try your best to give them the care they need.
Keep your dog hydrated
Your dog might feel a little dehydrated after surgery, so it is vital to make sure they get plenty of water. Keeping a bucket or your pet’s water bowl near the crate can help to remind them to drink, but you should also make sure you encourage your dog to drink whenever they feel thirsty. If your dog is still groggy, you may need to give them water yourself. This can be done by dabbing some water on their tongue with a wet paper towel or by giving your dog a small bowl of water and encouraging them to drink a little bit.
Get a back brace for your dog
If your dog is uncomfortable after surgery, it can be hard to walk and move around freely. A back brace for dogs can help support their back while they recover, preventing unnecessary pain and soreness. Your vet will have some recommendations for you as to what kind of brace would be best for your pet. However, there are many options out there, so look around before deciding what you need to get the best care for your dog or cat.
Don’t skip your dog’s follow-up appointment
While you are trying to take care of your pet after surgery, it’s also important that you go in for the surgery follow-up. Your vet will give you a few weeks to heal, so if anything is still wrong, make sure you come back for a check-up. If your pet is doing well, the follow-up appointment will give you a chance to ensure that your dog stays healthy and happy after its surgery.
Closing thoughts
Medical care for pets is a serious business. It’s also one of the most important things you can do as a pet owner. Your pet needs you to be healthy, so make sure you take the time to give them some extra love and attention after surgery