What to Expect After Your Dog Has Surgery?

If you are looking for a veterinarian in East Islip, NY, you may want to look into what All Friends Veterinary Hospital has to offer. Our veterinarian has years of experience performing pet surgery and will provide your dog with the most effective veterinary care possible.

Expectations After Pet Surgery for Your Dog

There are a few things that you should keep in mind after your dog has surgery.

There is no one standard procedure because every surgery and every pet is different. It is generally true that pets will be sleepy and lethargic for 12 to 24 hours after surgery. Because of this, it is important to allow them to rest and recover. In some cases, it is a good idea to confine your dog and not allow him to engage in as much activity as he wants. Even minor surgeries can be invasive, so your dog needs time to heal and rest once he gets home. If a dog moves too much after his surgery, there is a risk that the tissues will not bond properly, which can lead to wounds that will either heal too slowly or not heal at all.

In some cases, post-op medications will be necessary. The most common prescription medications after surgery include antibiotics that will prevent infection and pain medication that is meant to relieve post-op discomfort. High-energy dogs may need sedatives to help them rest after surgery. When it comes to the incision itself, generally you should leave it alone. If it is infected, you might see pus, swelling, or redness, and you might feel hardness or heat. You should not notice visible gaps between wound edges or pain that your dog expresses when you touch the incision. If you see any of these, you should take your dog to the vet.

Dogs should not be licking, scratching, or biting their incisions. If they try to do so, you should intervene as soon as you can. Our veterinarian may recommend a cone or e-collar to stop your dog from irritating the surgical area. If you want a better idea of what to expect, you should talk to your veterinarian and learn more about the correct course of action.

Veterinarian in East Islip, NY

If you are interested in learning more about pet surgery and everything that it entails, feel free to contact the professionals at All Friends Veterinary Hospital. For more information on pet surgery or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian, call us at (631) 277-8700.