Restrict Activity & Supervise Movement

• Your dog’s activity should be restricted for at least one week.

• Avoid running, jumping, or climbing to prevent strain on the surgical site.

• Use a leash for all outdoor trips to minimize movement.

"post-surgery activity restrictions for dogs"

• Your dog’s activity should be restricted for at least one week.

• Avoid running, jumping, or climbing to prevent strain on the surgical site.

• Use a leash for all outdoor trips to minimize movement.

• Your dog should stay indoors for at least one full week after surgery.

• Avoid running, jumping, climbing, or other strenuous activity that could strain the incision.

• Prevent excessive movement to reduce the risk of wound reopening or complications.

Feeding Your Dog Post-Surgery

Offer Small, Bland Meals

• A few hours after arriving home, offer half of their normal meal.

• If your dog eats and seems hungry, provide the rest of their meal after one hour.

• Some dogs experience nausea after anesthesia, so dividing the meal into smaller portions can help reduce the risk of vomiting.

• Access to water should not be restricted unless instructed by your veterinarian.

Pain Management & Medications

Post-Anesthesia Recovery

• Some drowsiness for 12-48 hours is normal due to anesthesia effects.

• If your dog seems excessively sleepy or unresponsive, contact us immediately.

"managing post-anesthesia effects in dogs"

Post-Anesthesia Recovery

• Some drowsiness for 12-48 hours is normal due to anesthesia effects.

• If your dog seems excessively sleepy or unresponsive, contact us immediately.

Follow Medication Instructions

• Administer prescribed pain medications exactly as directed.

• Never give human pain relievers, as they can be toxic to dogs.

• If your dog seems in pain or too sedated, consult our team.

Watch for Signs of Pain

• Excessive vocalization, restlessness, or hiding may indicate discomfort.

• Decreased appetite or reluctance to move are also red flags.

• If pain symptoms worsen, contact us for further pain relief options.

Incision & Wound Care

Monitor the Surgical Incision

• The incision should be clean, with skin edges together.

• Some bruising or minor blood seepage is normal for up to 24 hours.

• Contact us immediately if you notice continuous bleeding, excessive swelling, or foul odor.

"post-surgery wound care for dogs"

Monitor the Surgical Incision

• The incision should be clean, with skin edges together.

• Some bruising or minor blood seepage is normal for up to 24 hours.

• Contact us immediately if you notice continuous bleeding, excessive swelling, or foul odor.

Keep the Surgical Site Clean & Dry

• Do not bathe your dog or let them lick or scratch the wound.

• Use a cone (Elizabethan collar) to prevent irritation.

• Check for redness, swelling, discharge, or foul odor, which may indicate infection.

Stitches & Bandage Monitoring

• Some incisions have dissolvable sutures that do not require removal.

• If bandages are placed, follow our instructions for changing or removal.

• Avoid tight collars or harnesses that may rub against the incision.