Managing Your Pet’s Pain after Surgery
Following your pets surgery, the veterinary surgeon, vet, or veterinary nurse will take the time to explain the medications prescribed to help manage your dogs post-surgery pain, the dose required, how often to give them to your pet and how to administer the medications. It is essential for your pets health that you adhere to your vets instructions in order to effectively prevent any unnecessary pain while your dog recovers, without creating any side effects. Keep in mind that, while your pet will likely be sore at the incision site, they may also experience discomfort elsewhere due to the the internal healing process.
The most commonly prescribed medications for pets after surgery are antibiotics to prevent infection and pain medication to relieve post-op discomfort. If your pet is anxious or high-strung your vet may also prescribe a sedative or anti-anxiety medication to help keep them calm as they heal.
Home remedies arent typically recommended, however if there is a remedy that you would like to use in order to help your pet feel better, call your vet to ask if the ingredients are likely to cause any negative effects. Never give pets human mediations without consulting your veterinarian first. Many drugs that can help humans to feel better after surgery are toxic to dogs.
After your dog has had surgery it is important to provide them with a comfortable and quiet place to rest, away from other pets and children. If your dog typically curls up on a small bed to sleep you may want to invest in a slightly larger bed so that the incision site isnt stretched and pulled, possibly causing your pet pain. Allowing your dog to stretch out, so there’s no extra pressure on any bandaged or sensitive parts of their body, may help your dog to feel better after surgery and may even help them to recover faster.
Regardless of why your pet is having surgery, it is likely that your vet will recommend limiting your dogs activities and movement following surgery. Sudden stretching movements can interfere with the healing process and may even cause the incision to reopen.
Fortunately, most surgeries don’t require significant confinement such as complete ‘cage-rest’ to aid in recovery, and most pets cope well with being kept indoors for a few days (with only essential trips outside for toilet breaks). Of course, a harder task may be preventing your dog from jumping up on furniture that they love to sleep on, or climbing stairs. Preventing these behaviors for a few days may require confining your dog to one safe and comfortable room for awhile.
That said, there are some cases, such as orthopedic surgery which often require strictly limiting your dog’s movements for a good recovery. If your vet recommends cage rest for your dog following surgery, there are ways to help your dog adjust to this strict confinement and help them to get more comfortable with spending long periods of time in a crate. Make sure that your dogs cage is big enough to allow your dog to stand up and turn around. If your dog requires a plastic cone or E-Collar to prevent licking, you may need to purchase a larger cage for your dog to recover in. You will also need to ensure that there is room for food and water dishes, without risking spills that can cause your dogs bedding to become wet and soiled.
Helping Your Dog When Cage-Rest is Required
That said, orthopedic surgeries often require strictly limiting your dog’s movements for a good recovery. If your vet recommends crate rest for your dog following surgery, there are ways to help your dog adjust to this strict confinement and help them to get more comfortable with spending long periods of time in a crate.
Make sure that your dogs crate is big enough to allow your dog to stand up and turn around. If your dog requires a plastic cone or E-Collar to prevent licking, you may need to purchase a larger crate for your dog to recover in. You will also need to ensure that there is plenty of room for food and water dishes, without risking spills that can cause your dogs bedding and bandages to become soiled and wet.
What special instructions should I follow after my dog comes home?
Home care after surgery mainly involves the restriction of physical activity. Unfortunately, your dog does not understand the seriousness of surgery or the significance of the recovery period. Most dogs will naturally become very active in a short period of time after surgery and confinement and close supervision indoors is of the utmost importance! This means:
When your dog goes outside to go to the bathroom, it must be on a short leash and returned indoors immediately. You may only take your dog for very short, slow leash walks for two weeks, or as instructed by your veterinarian. Carry your dog up and down the stairs to get to your yard.
If your dog must be left alone, it must be confined to a cage or other small area that is warm and safe. This strict confinement and restriction of activity is necessary during the entire recuperative period. Excessive physical activity often leads to injury or serious complications. This means additional expense to you and added discomfort and risk for your dog.
Abdominal obstruction surgery . Aftercare tips for dog owners
Your dog has undergone major surgery and is now being discharged for continued care at home. Your job during the recovery period at home is just as important as the surgical procedure just performed.
