FAQ’s – Has Your Pet Undergone a Surgery?

Recovery after surgery can be a painful experience for pets; therefore, it is up to you and your family members to aid your furry friend in their recovery. You should provide your pet more comfort and care after surgery.

In this article, I’ll try to clear all your doubts related to pet care after surgery with the help of frequently asked questions.

Questions 1: My pet seems very sleepy after surgery, is this normal?

Answer: During surgery dogs are given aesthetic drugs, which generally take a number of hours to wear off. In some cases, these drugs can cause patients to appear drowsy for a day or so. From the next day or two the behaviour of your dog should return to normal.

Question 2: Can I feed my pet after surgery?

Answer: After surgery, your pet may feel a bit ‘off colour’. Sometimes, eating can cause vomiting in your pet. However, if you notice your pet is up and about in search of food, you can offer him a small amount unless indicated otherwise by your vet. Make sure that there is enough water is available to drink and normal meals can be returned to normal the day after the surgery. Further, you should know pet caring tips after surgery to care your pet effectively.

Question 3: What should I do if my pet licks or chews his stitches?

Answer: If your pet has stitches, he may lick or chew them which causes harm and in some cases severe infection. If your pet does this, we recommend Elizabethan collar which is a bucket-like device that can be worn around the neck of your pet.

Question 4: How can I care my pet’s wound?

Answer: After 10-14 days of surgery, you should check the wound twice a day in order to ensure it is dry and clean. In addition, check for any signs of heat, swelling, discharge, odour, gaping, skin irritation or self-inflicted damage in the wound.

If your pet has a bandage, don’t let it get soiled with dirt or wet. If pet wants to go outside, cover that bandage with plastic bags and secure it in place with tape. If the doctor has inserted a drain into the site of surgery, you may notice some ooze/discharge over the next few days. It is normal and has been placed to support the movement of fluid away from the site of surgery. In order to prevent the drain from clogging, you should clean the drain twice in a day with warm, slightly salty water and make sure not to use soap.

Question 5: What are the signs that can indicate problems in my pet after surgery?

You should notice following signs in your pet. If your pet shows these signs, that means something is not right in your pet and you should visit your vet immediately.

• Lethargy – particularly after 24 hours
• Vomiting – particularly after 24 hours
• Excessive redness around the surgery site
• Swelling around the surgery site
• Bleeding from the wound
• Discharge from the wound