Preparing your pet for surgery is difficult. Even if the procedure is minor, there are many things to perform, and many are confused, asking, “How do I prepare my dog for surgery? “or “What do I do after my pet’s surgery? While preparing your animal for surgery, some things are more important than others.
What do you need to know before and after surgery?
The veterinarian you consult with will guide the best way to prepare the pet to undergo surgery. If you are scheduled for surgery, be sure that you follow the instructions of your vet and be sure to ask as many questions as you can to ensure that the process as easy as is possible for both you and your pet. Make notes as needed to ensure you are following your vet’s recommendations.
Before Surgery
Updated Vaccines
Make sure your pet’s vaccines are up-to-date, and you know which ones are required for surgery (often rabies, Bordetella, distemper, and parvo). Any immunizations your pet does not need should be administered at least five days before surgery to ensure they are protected adequately.
Pre-surgery lab checkups are also required to ensure our pets are fit for the operation. You can bring your pet to a diagnostic lab before surgery for lab tests and more. Feel free to visit websites like SFPHMerced.com for more information.
Monitor Food Intake
Fasting before or during any dental and major surgery is required for people and pets. Your pet is no different. Before surgery, your veterinarian will provide specific instructions for pet food. The standard is to fast for 12 hours before the event, but there are a few exceptions.
Kittens and puppies are given an enticing meal to ensure they are alert during the treatment. If your pet suffers from diabetes, it will receive a small breakfast and an insulin injection every morning. Consult your dog or cat dentist and local veterinarians regularly regarding your pet’s food preferences to ensure that you and your pet are on the right path.
Provide a Calm Environment
Your pet is likely to be tired and hurt after surgery. Instead of waiting for you to set up a safe and pleasant environment for them to recover in, prepare it ahead of time. Don’t let your pet go across a set of stairs by choosing the most convenient location accessible.
You should also be located where you can watch and care for them. Be sure their food is close by so they can eat and drink. Make sure you keep the area still around them so they can rest.
Post-Surgery
No Bath (10 Days Minimum)
It is recommended to wait at least ten days after stitches are put in before shampooing your pet. Remember that water might loosen stitches and that washing contaminants, like water, could cause irritation to wounds and stitching. Consider using a water-free shampoo that does not rinse or on a warm, moist rag your pet’s coat to ensure they remain clean (while avoiding sutures).
Provide E-Collar
Keeping your pet from chewing or licking stitches on the surgery site is a crucial part of your post-op journey of pet care. This means your four-legged friend must wear the notorious “cone of shame,” sometimes referred to as an E-collar or Elizabethan collar. They will certainly be confused and begin to walk strangely, but this is for their excellence and is only temporary.
Check Incision Site Daily
Inspecting the incision site every day is critical to ensure it’s healing correctly. By regularly checking it, you will be able to identify an infection and receive advice from your vet surgeon on the best way to manage the problem (more than likely, they’ll prescribe medication for your pet).
Conclusion
There are a few easy methods to ensure that you and your pet relax before and following surgery. This may be difficult, but it will assist you in reducing the additional elements that can cause hardship for both of you after a surgical procedure. Make sure to contact your vet if things go out of control.
