4 Tips On Helping Your Dog Recover After Surgery

Dogs are such a big part of our lives. We love them, care for them, and when they’re sick or need surgery, we do whatever we can to help them get better. If your dog has recently had surgery, there are some things you can do to help him recover quickly and smoothly.

Do provide your dogs with a comfortable environment to rest, keeping their movements to a minimum, and using a dog cone are proven methods of helping your dog recover faster after surgery. Avoid letting them get too excited, as this can put a strain on their healing body.

Here are 4 tips to help your dog recover after surgery.

#1: Keep Your Dog Still

Image from 1-800-PetMeds

During the first few hours after the surgery is completed, your dog will feel very tired and wonโ€™t be able to move around. Once the anesthesia wears off, you will find it difficult to comfort your dog.

Try to keep your dog calm and quiet. Give them treats or pet them gently to help them relax. If they start to get restless, avoid scolding them โ€“ this will only make the situation worse.

Keep activity to a minimum too. Avoid taking your dog on walks or playing fetch. Instead, focus on quiet activities like petting or grooming.

Your dog might feel bothered due to its injured limb but it will be able to tolerate the pain. Most vets recommend that your dog has to remain still for up to a week after the major surgery is completed.

#2: Offer Comfort

Image from 1-800-PetMeds

As a dog owner, the best thing that you can do for your canine buddy is to offer comfort. That After your dog’s surgery, offer them comfort. Speak to them in a soft, friendly voice and let them know that everything is going to be alright.

Give them gentle pats and cuddles, and offer them their favorite treat. Let them take their time getting back to their usual selves, and show them lots of love and patience.

Undergoing surgery is not easy for your dog so you should provide all the means to make your pup comfortable, safe, and protected.

#3: Get A Dog Cone

Your dog will also tend to lick the incision because it will become itchy once it starts healing. But this might just exacerbate the wound because your pooch will end up introducing bacteria to the affected area.

Image from Pet Releaf

A dog cone is the best solution for a dog who has surgery. It is important to keep the cone on the dog so that they do not lick its stitches. This allows for proper healing and helps to prevent infection.

Plus, it’s much less uncomfortable for them than having to wear a collar all the time.

#4: Keep Them Fed & Hydrated

After your dog has surgery, it is important to keep them hydrated and fed. They will need plenty of fluids to recover and heal properly, so make sure they have easy access to fresh water at all times. You should also keep an eye on their eating habits and make sure they are getting enough food to support their recovery.

Image from 1-800-PetMeds

Your dog will be tired and may not have much of an appetite. It is important to keep your dog hydrated by offering small sips of water or electrolyte solutions frequently. You can try to entice your dog to eat its favorite foods or offer canned dog food that is easy to eat.

Avatar photo
Pete Decker