Is your canine pal scheduled for surgery soon? This can be a pretty nerve-wracking experience for owners. After all, you can’t help but to be worried about Fido and how he will fare during the procedure. You may also find yourself feeling a bit helpless. You can’t explain to your pet why he needs a procedure, or make him understand that he’ll feel better after he’s healed. What you can do is take steps to make your pup’s recovery process as quick and easy as possible. A local Austin TX vet offers some tips on how to do that in this article.
How Long Will It Take Fido To Recover?
That’s ultimately going to depend on what type of surgery your pooch gets. Your vet will be able to give you more specific information, based on the type of procedure your pet needs.
That said, we can give some general estimates. For a typical soft tissue surgery, it’s usually about two weeks. Orthopedic surgeries have longer recovery times: those may take as much as 12 weeks or longer. In some cases, full recovery could take six months. On the other end of the spectrum, spay/neuter surgeries are much quicker. Boys will have recuperated within a few days, and fully healed within about a week. Females take longer to heal than males do, and should be healed after about 10 to 14 days. Of course, your pet’s age and health also come into play here.
How Do I Settle My Dog After An Operation?
After-care instructions will also vary a bit, depending on the type of procedure your pet has. Your vet can give you specific directions. There are a few rules of thumb that would apply universally, though.
Give Fido A Comfy, Quiet Space To Heal
Fido is very playful and active, but this isn’t the time for vigorous games of Fetch or long walks in the park. Your pet will need to rest as he recuperates, just as people do. We would recommend setting up a quiet, comfy spot for your furry patient. A spare room may be a good choice. You don’t want your pup to feel too isolated, so consider a spot where you can put up a baby gate or something similar to keep him contained but allow him to still see and hear the rest of the family.
This spot should be clean and comfy, with minimal distractions.
A good bed, of course, is a must. If Fido is due for a new one, this is the perfect time to get one. Otherwise, just make sure his bed is clean and comfy.
You may want to play some soothing music for Fido. You could also put on Dog TV for your pooch as he is resting. Fido may also appreciate a few comfort toys to snuggle with.
Consider Crate Training
Your vet may or may not advise you to crate your pet. In some cases, you may need to keep your pup crated for the first few days, and then give him a bit more freedom.
However, it’s important for your pet to think of his crate as a cozy den and not a jail cell. If Fido hasn’t been crate trained, start working on that before his procedure. Ask your vet for advice on this.
Limit Fido’s Activity
In many cases, good, healing sleep is going to be what your pet needs most. Keep distractions, such as your new kitten, out of the way as your canine pal recuperates.
You’ll also need to restrict your pet’s activity. Make sure Fido can’t run or jump: you don’t want him disturbing his stitches!
Plan For Walks
Fido will still need to relieve himself, but make those walks short and sweet. Keep your pet on a short leash, and avoid things like hills or slippery areas that could strain him or cause a fall. With smaller dogs, you may need to use a sling or carry your pup outside. Puppy pads may be helpful in some cases.
Keep The Climate Right
You want your furry pal to be as comfortable as possible as he recuperates. Temperature plays a big role in that. Keep Fido’s ‘recovery’ room at a typical room temperature, which is usually somewhere between 68 and 75F.
Maintain Good Communication With Your Vet
One of our Veterinary technicians / nurses will discharge your pet and review instructions for their recuperation. Never hesitate to ask questions. If something looks concerning at home, you can text or email a photo to us. We’ll let you know if it looks like we should see your pet in person, or if all looks good.
Give Your Pet Privacy
Many people want to withdraw when they don’t feel well. Many pups really enjoy and benefit from spending time with other pooches. However, playdates with Fido’s buddies should also be on hold.
Keep Meds On Schedule
Your pet will likely need pain medications. Fido may also need antibiotics or other meds. Make sure to read the instructions carefully, and follow those directions to the letter. You may need to set reminders on your phone or smart device.
Pill Your Pup Properly
Some medications need to be given with food while others are best absorbed on an empty stomach. This information will be on the medication label. If it needs to be given without food and you aren’t comfortable “poking it down” you can use a small amount of Pill Wrap or Pill Pockets. If you don’t have those, try a small amount of low fat lunch meat. Give your pet some extra love after medicating so your pet can associate something fun with taking the medicine
Give Fido Extra Love
Love is the secret ingredient in any pet care regimen. That definitely applies here! Your pet may start to get a bit glum, especially during that stage where he’s starting to heal but is still restricted from playing or moving too much.
Brushing your pet, getting him new toys, and talking to him can all provide comfort. Don’t underestimate the power of forehead kisses and chin scritches!
Watch The Surgical Site
Keep a close eye on the incision. Your veterinarian will go over what to look for. Ripped stitches are definitely an emergency, and should warrant an immediate trip to the vet or ER. Some of the other warning signs include pus, swelling, redness, foul odors, strange colorations, fever, lethargy, and vomiting.
If you notice anything that seems even a little bit off, contact your vet right away.
Protect The Stitches
Fido may come home with an Elizabethan collar, also known as the Cone of Shame or the Lampshade Hat. You may also be able to use an inflatable collar. Your pup isn’t going to be happy about this, but it’s for his own good. This will keep him from tearing at the stitches. Take a few pics of your canine pal, but don’t let those sad eyes sway you!
Some dogs get so upset over the collar that they become fixated on trying to remove it. If this seems to be the case with your pooch, give the clinic a call and ask for advice.
Contact Our Austin TX Veterinary Clinic
Do you need to bring your pet in? Is your pooch due for an exam? Contact us, your Austin TX pet hospital, anytime! We are dedicated to offering top-notch care.
