To maintain your dog or cat’s health and wellness after a surgical procedure, follow instructions from your veterinarian to the letter to ensure your pet heals properly. Here’s a list of vet-approved recommendations to ease recovery for your dog or cat. 

4 Tips to Help Your Pet With Post-Op Recovery

1. Block Off Stairs & Furniture

Don’t let your pets climb stairs or jump on and off furniture. Moving about without restraint will negatively impact their healing and possibly rupture stitches. Block access to stairwells and furniture to limit activity and keep them on the ground. 

2. Create a Safe, Isolated Space

For stitches and incisions to heal successfully, your pet should remain calm and comfortable. Establish a location for them to rest and relax in isolation. You need to minimize disturbances, whether from other pets or members of the family. Give them a bed, soft blankets for warmth, and plenty of water. 

3. Schedule Potty Breaks

If your pet is on medication and unable to walk independently, set a schedule for potty breaks. Then gently guide them or carry them outdoors for relief and to enjoy a bit of fresh air. If your cat uses a litter box, place it in their recovery space and frequently clean it. 

4. Change Dressings & Follow the Veterinarian’s Orders

Follow any specific care instructions provided by your veterinarian. Post-op care instructions may include giving your pet medication with their meals, applying lotions or soothing balms to surgical sites, keeping a conical collar in place to avoid licking and biting, and changing dressings. Report any worrying developments to your veterinarian, such as lethargy, nausea, loose stools, or redness and swelling around stitches, which may indicate an infection that requires immediate follow-up.

If your dog or cat needs surgery, Florence Veterinary Hospital will help. This pet hospital has been caring for animals in Boone County, KY, for over 30 years with kindness and dedication. Call (859) 371-6501 to schedule an appointment with an experienced veterinarian, or visit their website for more information on the cutting-edge services they provide.