Around 90 million U.S. households own at least one pet. Most of these households have a dog as their pet, and once in a while, they have to deal with their dogs getting surgery. Taking proper care of your dog after major surgery is more important than you think. A good post-operative recovery can reduce the risk of complications and extend your pet’s life span. Here’s how you can manage to do so.
Ask the Vet for Advice First
When you’re considering surgery for your dog, it’s important to ask the vet for advice on post-operative care. That way, you’ll be prepared in case the vet recommends a special diet or supplements to eat while recovering from surgery.
It is also crucial that you know what to expect after surgery. What will your dog be able to do? What kinds of activities should they avoid? The veterinarian can help with these answers and will likely give you specific instructions on how often your dog should get up and move around. They will also talk about any restrictions on exercise until your pooch has fully recovered from its operation.
Get Your Dog Necessary Meds
Make sure your dog is taking their medication as prescribed. Some medications, like pain relievers and antibiotics, must be taken orally and may need to be given several times per day. If you’re not sure how to administer the medication or which type your dog needs, check with your veterinarian.
Your vet might also prescribe Previcox for dogs, which is one of the best anti-inflammatory drugs that deal with post-operative pain and inflammation. Inflammation can also be caused by insect stings. Even in such cases, the Previcox chewable tablets can deal with all the pain and inflammation associated with troubles. Of course, your vet will be the one to decide whether or not you should go ahead with this drug.
Your veterinarian should also provide instructions for administering any topical medications like ointments or creams that your dog will need after surgery. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully. Improper use of these products can cause additional discomfort for your pet.
You must also watch out for side effects. Some drugs can interact negatively with other medications or supplements that you might already be giving your pet. Make sure you inform both the vet if they are taking anything else regularly so they can make an informed decision about whether the drug they prescribe would be safe during the recovery period after surgery.
Keep Your Dog’s Cone on at All Times
The cone is essential for your dog’s protection. It protects its incision site from being licked or scratched, as well as keeping him from biting at its stitches. If it gets too close to the stitches while munching, they could easily be broken open again and have to be redone by a doctor, which would mean another trip to the vet and more pain for you both.
Keep Your Dog Away from Other Pets
Your dog needs to rest and recover, which means keeping him or her away from other pets, dogs included. Don’t let your pup go outside for walks or playtime until the doctor says it’s okay. Even if you have another pet at home (a cat or a gerbil), keep them separated from each other so that there’s no chance of infection or interaction with your dog that could cause harm.
Even though your dog might want to use the bathroom immediately after surgery, try not to give in. They may need some help from you getting there once their stitches are removed.
Provide Plenty of Water to Keep Your Dog Hydrated
If your dog has undergone surgery, or if it’s been in a crate or kennel for any length of time, it’s vital to make sure that he has plenty of water to drink. If your dog is not eating and constantly vomiting, or if it’s not urinating as frequently as normal, these could be signs that its body needs more liquids. Don’t wait until dehydration has become an issue before making sure that your pet is getting enough water.
Feed Your Dog Small Meals
Feeding your dog small meals is a great way to help them maintain their energy and keep them strong. By giving your dog more frequent small meals, you can make sure that they stay hydrated and get the nutrients they need throughout the day.
Feeding your dog fatty foods or high protein foods can cause stomach upset, which makes it harder for them to recover from surgery. High carbohydrate foods may also exacerbate diabetes if your dog has this condition. If a vet has recommended special diets for your pet following surgery, ensure that you’re following these instructions carefully as well.
People want to have dogs as pets for many reasons. In the past, it was mostly for guarding purposes. However, dogs have now become much more than guards. They are our best friends. Would you let your best friend suffer after surgery? Surely not. These tips will help your dog recover after their surgery. As always, consult your vet before administering any medication and follow their instructions closely.
