After your pet is out of surgery, it is normal to have a list of questions. Is it normal for them to be sleepy? Should they be eating? How much should they move around? What do I do if they seem uncomfortable? Knowing what recovery really looks like after your pet’s surgery can help make the healing process easier for you and your pet. While every procedure and pet are different, it is still important to understand the basics of post-op recovery to help you recognize what is normal and what deserves your attention.
The First 24 Hours
It is normal for the first day after surgery to be quiet and slow. Your pet will likely be tired, less interested in food, and a little groggy as the effects of anesthesia wear off.
Give your pet a comfortable and quiet area to recover and safely follow the discharge instructions.
The first night:
- Keep your pet indoors and supervised.
- Provide a quiet, comfortable resting area.
- Follow your veterinarian’s instructions regarding food and water.
- Give medications exactly as prescribed.
- Keep activity restricted.
- Prevent licking, chewing, or scratching at the surgical site.
Keep in mind, like every human, every pet will respond to anesthesia differently. Your veterinary team will provide specific instructions based on your pet’s procedure, health, and individual needs.
What’s Normal During Recovery?
Some unusual behavior is to be expected after surgery.
Your pet may:
- Sleep more than usual.
- Have a decreased appetite temporarily.
- Be quieter or less energetic.
- Move more slowly.
- Have mild swelling or bruising around the surgical area.
- Seem slightly uncomfortable.
- Have a small amount of discharge from certain surgical sites, depending on the procedure.
Your pet should return to their normal behaviors and routine as they continue to recover. It is important to monitor the overall trends. Your pet should gradually become more active and return to their normal behavior as healing progresses.
What Isn’t Normal
There are certain signs and behaviors you should be aware of that would require medical attention.
Contact your veterinary team if you notice:
- Significant or worsening pain.
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea.
- Refusal to eat or drink for an extended period.
- Extreme lethargy or weakness.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Significant swelling around the incision.
- Continuous bleeding or discharge.
- An incision that opens.
- Increasing redness, heat, or swelling around the surgical site.
- A sudden change in behavior that concerns you.
When in doubt, it is always better to ask. You know your pet better than anyone. We encourage you to be the advocate for your pet and their health.
Pain Medication: Give It as Directed
Your pet will likely be prescribed pain medication after their surgery. It is important you provide it as prescribed. This includes the correct dose, frequency, and duration.
Never give your pet human pain medication unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to do so. Some medications that are safe for people can be dangerous or even toxic to pets.
Again, whenever you are in doubt, ask! Our team is ready to answer any questions you might have.
Don’t Skip the E-Collar
Pets don’t understand their incision needs unbothered time to heal. Their natural reaction is to lick any wounds they might have in an attempt to soothe and clean it. We understand that can lead to infection or an open incision.
That’s why an e-collar, sometimes called a cone, is often recommended after surgery.While your pet may not be thrilled about wearing it, the e-collar serves an important purpose: protecting the surgical site while it heals.
Keep the e-collar on for the amount of time recommended by your veterinarian. If your pet is struggling to eat or drink while wearing their e-collar, try elevating their dish on a stool so they can reach it better or contact your veterinary team for alternative suggestions.
The Goal: A Safe, Comfortable Recovery
Surgery is only one part of your pet’s treatment. Recovery maters just as much as the actual procedure.
By keeping your pet’s activity restricted, administering medications as directed, protecting the surgical site, attending recommended follow-up appointments, and knowing what warning signs to watch for, you can play an important role in helping your pet heal.
If you’re concerned about your pet after surgery or aren’t sure whether something you’re seeing is normal, contact your veterinary team. We’re here to help you and your pet through every step of the recovery process.
Have questions about an upcoming procedure or your pet’s recovery? Our team is here to help.
480-712-3600
