9 Ways to Soothe Your Dog After Surgery

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As with humans, when dogs undergo surgery, their recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and the individual dog. After any surgical procedure, follow your veterinarian's post-op instructions to prevent complications and ensure your dog has a safe and comfortable recovery.

In the meantime, here are other things you can do for your dog after surgery to minimize their discomfort and help them return to health.

How to comfort your dog after a painful surgery

Whenever a dog has surgery, it causes trauma to the surrounding tissue. Rest and pain relief are crucial to the healing process. And making sure your pet is given the chance to heal properly is vital to preventing complications or infections. The following nine tips will help you comfort your dog as they heal, speeding up recovery.

1. Restrict your dog's regular activity

Restrict your dog's physical activity for 2 weeks after surgery. Prevent them from participating in strenuous activities that could stress the wound. Keep them inside as much as possible. And keep them on a leash when you take them outside to do their business.

2. Keep your dog on a short leash

When you do take your dog outside, keep them on a short leash. This will prevent your dog from walking farther than needed. Afterward, bring them back inside.

The number of days you need to do this will depend on the surgery and how fast your pet is healing. But you'll usually need to do this for at least 2 weeks.

3. Keep your dog warm

When you return home from surgery, keep your dog warm by giving them a clean dog bed in a draft-free area where the temperature is around 68°F to 75°F.

4. Stay in touch with your veterinarian

Your vet will usually provide written post-op instructions when your dog goes home. You should also write down all your questions so you don't forget to ask them. And don't be afraid to ask for any additional written instructions you need when you pick your dog up after their procedure. Following your vet's directions is critical to keeping your dog comfortable after surgery.

5. Give your dog a quiet space to heal

Set up a space for your dog in a quiet room away from distractions. You don't need to confine your dog to a crate. However, you will find it easier to limit their movement if you contain them in a room where they can't climb or jump on anything.

6. Limit interactions

It's best to keep your pup away from children and other pets until they feel better.

7. Keep a schedule for all medications

Your vet may prescribe pain medicine or antibiotics for your dog. Read the instructions for all medications carefully to ensure you administer them properly. Then make a written chart or set the alarm on your phone to be sure you give your dog each medication at the right time.

8. Give your dog extra TLC

Don't underestimate the healing value of extra tender loving care. Like humans, dogs can find periods of forced inactivity to be depressing, particularly when they don't understand what's happening. Try gently brushing your pup's coat or buying them a new toy.

9. Explore new entertainment

Prevent your pup from becoming bored by interacting with them and finding safe activities they like. Ask your vet what kinds of light play they recommend as your dog recovers from surgery. If your dog must be immobile for a long time, consider taking them outside in a dog stroller for a change of scenery.

What should I expect after my dog's surgery?

There are several things you can likely expect after your dog's surgery.

Shaved fur

Your dog may have a shaved area on one of their front legs. Their fur was removed so their leg could be thoroughly disinfected before insertion of the IV to give the anesthetic or sedative for the surgery.

Pain management

Your veterinarian will try to prevent your dog from being in too much pain following surgery. They may provide pain medicine before the procedure starts to limit your dog's pain after surgery. Depending on your dog and the surgery, your vet may opt for added pain management approaches, such as an injectable pain medication just after surgery.

Being out of it

You can expect your dog to be tired for about a day after surgery. Some dogs also have instability or balance issues. Your dog may also be a little bit "out of it," or not quite themself.

These are common side effects of general anesthesia and pain management medication that your dog may be given during and after surgery. This is often normal.

Nausea

Some dogs experience nausea after undergoing anesthesia. Offer them plenty of fresh water unless advised otherwise by your vet. Drinking water will help flush the medicine out of your pup's system.

Eating

After arriving home on the day of your dog's surgery, feed them their meals in half-portions. Eating smaller amounts will decrease the likelihood of nausea and vomiting.

Your dog should return to a regular feeding and bathroom routine within 48 hours. If not, you may want to call your vet to be sure there's no reason for concern.

How do I know if my dog is in pain after surgery?

Changes in behavior or mood may mean your pup is in pain. If you notice any of the following signs, your dog may be in pain after their surgery:

• Having difficulty getting up

• Circling, pacing, or being restless

• Seeming reluctant to move

• Getting up and down repeatedly

• Shaking, trembling, or lying very still

• Whining

• Whimpering

• Panting

• Howling

• Yelping

• Showing signs of aggression, particularly in a dog who does not usually behave aggressively

• Protecting a part of the body

• Hiding

• Avoiding being petted, touched, or held

• Limping

• Changing their sleeping or drinking habits

• Having a decreased appetite

• Sleeping more than usual

• Seeking more affection than usual

• Withdrawing from interaction

• Exhibiting changes in housetraining

When to contact your veterinarian

If you notice one or more of these signs of pain in your dog, contact your veterinarian. Do not stop any prescribed medication without speaking to your vet. And do not give human medicine to your pet, as this is dangerous and can be life-threatening.

How can you help your dog heal properly after surgery?

The most important thing is to keep your dog comfortable while they're recovering. A comfortable, peaceful place to recuperate, along with lots of love, will go a long way toward helping them heal. You can also do the following to ensure your pup heals in tip-top shape:

• Restrict your dog's activity for 14 days after surgery to allow the surgical site to heal.

• Allow your dog to rest. The body needs rest to heal.

• Keep the incision site dry. The incision site is usually closed with surgical glue, which will dissolve too soon if exposed to moisture.

• Ensure that your dog doesn't lick or chew the incision site, as this can lead to infection or complications. In most cases, your pet will wear an Elizabethan collar (an e-collar) to prevent them from disturbing the surgical site.

• Don't bathe your pup or allow them to swim while the wound is healing (approximately 10 to 14 days after surgery).

• Check the incision site daily to ensure it's healing. The skin around the incision may be slightly reddish, and a small amount of blood may seep from a new wound within the first 24 hours. Both of those can be normal post-surgery effects. However, you should contact your vet if the surgery site is very red, bleeding excessively, has a green or yellow discharge, or has a bad odor.

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