Surgery can be fearful and anxiety provoking for people and pets alike. The recovery process is simple, but for the first few weeks after surgery, your dog will likely require some special care. If you want to help your dog recover quickly, easily, and effectively you need to follow some routine.

While surgery is an invasive procedure, there are some simple steps that can be taken to ease the discomfort for your pet.

Limit Activity
Post surgery is not the time for your pet to be running around and exploring. Just as you would for a human family member going through a medical procedure, plan on setting aside some time to be home to attend to your pet after the surgery. Keep them indoors and limit their space to roam if possible. Your pet should not be jumping on furniture or do any other strenuous activity for the first day or so after the surgery. Make sure to have a comfortable bed that is easy for her to get on and off.

Protect Stitches
The one challenge after the surgical procedure is that your pet may try to scratch or bite at the stitches. This needs to be prevented as it could cause the wound to open, the incision to get infected, or both. If your pet has a tendency to do this, the best solution is to get a Stop Bite Animal Collar by Vet-Aid to prevent it.

Monitor Food and Water
The other consideration is to monitor your pet’s food and water intake for several days following the surgery. Ask your vet for the recommended amounts. Also, ask regarding medication usage and dosages for the period following the surgery. Just as with humans, it is better to be preemptive about pain medication to keep the discomfort to a minimum.

Fresh Air
Even on the day of the surgery, you want to take your pet outside every few hours. IV fluids delivered during the surgery will mean your pet is more likely to need to urinate. Without regular trips outside to relieve himself, your dog may have accidents indoors, even during sleep.

Plenty of Water
It is important to keep your pet hydrated after surgery, even if they don’t seem thirsty. Monitor your pet’s drinking after surgery to ensure she is getting enough fluids. Also, offer small amounts of food; except in cases of food intolerances, experts recommend something bland like chicken or hamburger meat but no treats.

Provide regular wound care with Vet Aid’s Animal Wound Care Spray. Either you or your veterinarian should regularly clean your pet’s wounds with Vet Aid’s Animal Wound Care Spray and replace bandages to promote faster healing and reduce the risk of infections. Ideally, your vet will instruct you on proper wound care recommending changing bandages 2 or 3 times per day in the beginning. Eventually, you’ll be able to check the bandages every couple of days but follow your vet’s instructions.

Signs to Watch For
The main signs to watch for after your pet has been sprayed with Vet Aid’s Animal Wound Care Spray is the stitches breaking open or the wound becoming infected. If the incision area has abnormal swelling or a dark or infected discharge, contact your vet right away.