Preparing your pet for surgery can be stressful. Even if the procedure is minor, there are so many things to perform that many people become perplexed, asking themselves, “How do I prepare my dog for surgery?”, “What do I do after my pet’s surgery? However, when prepping your pet for surgery, certain things are more important than others.
What do you need to know before and after surgery?
Your veterinarian will guide you on how to prepare for pet surgery. To schedule surgery, make sure you listen to and follow your veterinarian’s instructions, and ask as many questions as you need to make the process go as smoothly as possible for you and your pet. Take notes if necessary to ensure you remember the veterinarian’s recommendations.
Prior to Surgery
Updated Vaccines
Make sure your pet’s vaccines are up to date and that you understand which ones are required for surgery (often rabies, Bordetella, distemper, and parvo). Any immunizations your pet does not have should be administered at least five days before surgery to ensure they are adequately protected.
Pre-surgery lab checkups are also required to ensure our pets are fit for the operation. You can bring your pet to Santa Fe Pet Hospital before surgery for lab tests and more.
Monitor Food Intake
Fasting before any major surgery is required for people, and your pet is no exception. Before general surgery or dental surgery, your veterinarian will provide specific instructions for your pet’s food. The general rule is to fast 12 hours before the event; however, there are a few exceptions.
Puppies and kittens will be given a small meal to help them stay awake during the treatment. If your pet has diabetes, they will be given a little breakfast along with a shot of insulin in the morning. Always consult your vet dental services about your pet’s dietary needs to ensure that both you and your pet are on the right track.
Provide a Calm Environment
Your pet will be weary and in pain following surgery. Instead of making them wait for you to prepare a safe and pleasant environment for them to recover in, do it ahead of time. Avoid having your pet trek up and down a flight of steps by choosing a site that is conveniently accessible.
You also want it to be in a location where you can readily watch and care for them. Make sure their food is close by so they can eat and drink. Consider keeping things quiet around them so they can get some much-needed rest.
Post-Surgery
No Bath (10 Days Minimum)
Wait at least ten days after stitches have been placed before shampooing your pet. Remember that water might loosen stitches and that bathing contaminants, including water, can irritate wounds and stitching. Consider using a waterless, no-rinse pet shampoo or running a warm moist rag over your pet’s coat to help them stay clean (while still avoiding the sutures).
Provide E-Collar
Keeping your pet from licking or chewing the stitches on the surgery site is part of the post-op pet care journey. This means your four-legged pet will have to wear the infamous “cone of shame,” often known as an E-collar or Elizabethan collar. Yes, they will be perplexed and may even begin to walk strangely, but this is for their good and will only be temporary.
Check Incision Site Daily
It is critical to inspect the incision site daily to ensure that it is healing correctly. By checking it daily, you can easily spot an infection and get guidance from your veterinarian on how to treat it (more than likely, they will prescribe medicine for your pet).
Conclusion
These are easy ways to keep you and your pet stress-free before and after surgery. It may be difficult, but it will assist you in reducing the additional elements that can cause hardship to you and your pet following a surgical surgery. Remember to call your veterinarian if things get out of hand.