What If My Pet Keeps Licking the Incision?

• Use an E-collar (Elizabethan collar) to prevent licking or chewing.

• Persistent licking can lead to infection or suture removal, requiring additional surgery.

• Contact us if your pet seems uncomfortable or excessively focused on the incision.

When Should My Pet Have a Bowel Movement After Surgery?

• It’s normal for pets to not have a bowel movement for a few days due to fasting, pain meds, and surgery recovery.

• To aid digestion, try adding fiber with canned pumpkin or Metamucil.

• If no bowel movement occurs by day 4, contact us for additional recommendations.

What If My Pet Refuses to Eat After Surgery?

• Many pets lose their appetite temporarily after anesthesia.

• Try warming food slightly or offering a bland diet (boiled chicken and rice).

• Cats may respond better to aromatic foods like tuna or canned food.

• If appetite does not return within 2-3 days, contact us for further evaluation.

What If My Pet Is Vomiting at Home?

• Some pets drink too much water at once, causing vomiting.

• Certain medications (like antibiotics or pain relievers) may cause nausea.

• If vomiting persists or occurs after stomach/intestine surgery, seek veterinary help immediately.

How Do I Know If My Dog Is in Pain After Surgery?

• Signs of pain include:

  • Whining or crying

  • Biting or growling when touched

  • Restlessness or reluctance to sleep

  • Not wanting to lie on the incision side

• Severe pain is most common in the first 2-3 days post-surgery.

• If your pet shows signs of pain, call us for additional pain management options.

How Do I Know If My Cat Is in Pain After Surgery?

• Cats are more subtle in showing pain. Look for:

  • Hiding or avoiding interaction

  • Loss of appetite or refusing to eat

  • Growling, hissing, or biting when touched

  • Sitting in a hunched position or reluctance to move

• Unlike dogs, cats rarely vocalize their pain, so behavioral changes are key indicators.

• If you suspect your cat is in pain, contact us immediately for evaluation and pain relief options.

• Signs of pain include:

  • Whining or crying

  • Biting or growling when touched

  • Restlessness or reluctance to sleep

  • Not wanting to lie on the incision side

• Severe pain is most common in the first 2-3 days post-surgery.

• If your pet shows signs of pain, call us for additional pain management options.

What Are Important Considerations for Orthopedic Surgery Recovery?

• Follow strict exercise restrictions – Avoid running, jumping, or high-impact activities.

• Use slings or harnesses for mobility support in dogs with limb surgeries.

• Provide orthopedic bedding to reduce pressure on healing joints.

• Cold therapy (icing) helps minimize swelling in the first 48-72 hours.

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises improve recovery outcomes.

• Monitor for complications like excessive swelling, limping, or reluctance to use the affected limb.

How Can I Support My Pet’s Recovery After an Orthopedic Procedure?

• For TPLO and other orthopedic surgeries, crate rest is essential for at least 8 weeks.

• Gradually reintroduce controlled activity per your veterinarian’s guidance.

• Engage in passive range-of-motion exercises to maintain joint flexibility.

• Hydrotherapy and laser therapy may aid in faster recovery.

What Pain Medications Can My Pet Take at Home?

• Medications may include Tramadol, NSAIDs (Rimadyl, Metacam), or fentanyl patches.

• In some cases, mild sedatives can help reduce anxiety and discomfort.

• Applying a cold compress to the surgical site for 48-72 hours may help reduce inflammation.

Can My Pet Lick the Incision?

• Answer In a word……NO 

• If a pet licks their incision, it will actually delay the healing process because they usually lick too much and traumatize the area. In addition, licking the incision can lead to: 

• Licking can remove stitches and cause the incision to open 

• Licking can become a severe habit that is difficult to break 

• Licking can cause infection as the mouth has many bacteria 

• Dogs will frequently lick the incision when the owner is not watching, such as at night time; if the skin looks red or excoriated or there are sutures/staples missing the most common cause is from licking. 

• To stop your pet from licking the incision site or catheter site the following can be tried: 

• An Elizabethan collar can be placed on the neck; this will not help stop your pet from scratching at the region 

• A cervical collar (bite not collar) is a less awkward device and can be effective at stopping a pet from licking the surgical site 

• If the incision is over the chest a tee shirt can be put on your pet and the waist of the shirt fastened in place by tying the shirttail. 

• If the incision is over the paw or lower limb a bandage or sock could be put on and kept up with tape. 

• Bitter apple can be applied around the incision; many dogs will continue to lick after the application of this topical 

• Bitter Apple and Liquid HeetTM (obtain this from a drugstore...it is used for sore muscles) mixed in a 2:1 ratio can be applied around the skin incision 

When Should I Call the Veterinarian?

• If your pet experiences persistent vomiting, severe pain, swelling, or refuses food for over 48 hours.

• If there is excessive redness, discharge, or reopening of the incision.

• If your pet appears weak, disoriented, or has trouble breathing.

Why Choose Canton Animal Hospital for Post-Surgical Care?

• Experienced Veterinary Team – Skilled post-operative monitoring and pain management.

• Comprehensive Recovery Support – We guide pet owners on the best aftercare strategies.

• Advanced Pain Management Options – Including medications and at-home care recommendations.

• Dedicated Support – Contact us with any questions or concerns during recovery.

Have questions? Call us today

• Helping Your Pet Heal Safely & Comfortably! 🐾💙