Recovering from Surgery: Tips & Best Practices for Pet Owners
When your pet comes home after surgery, proper recovery care is essential for healing and comfort. At Animal Emergency Hospital Volusia, we know that post-operative care doesn’t end when you leave the hospital. Whether your pet received emergency surgery or advanced treatment, attentive at-home care can make all the difference in a smooth recovery.
This guide covers essential pet surgery recovery tips, what to expect after surgery, and best practices to help your pet heal safely.
What to Expect After Pet Surgery
After surgery, it’s common for pets to experience:
- Grogginess or fatigue from anesthesia
- Mild swelling or soreness
- Reduced appetite
- Temporary changes in behavior
These effects typically improve within a few days. If symptoms worsen or persist, contact your veterinarian.
1. Follow Your Veterinarian’s Post-Operative Instructions
Your discharge instructions are customized to your pet’s procedure and medical needs. They may include:
- Medication schedules (administer ALL meds, even if your pet feels better)
- Feeding guidelines
- Activity restrictions
- Incision or wound care instructions
Following these directions exactly, even if your pet seems to be feeling better, helps reduce the risk of complications and supports proper healing.
2. Create a Calm, Comfortable Recovery Space at Home
A quiet, stress-free environment is especially important during recovery. Set up a space that includes:
- Soft, clean bedding
- Easy access to fresh water
- Limited interaction with other pets or children
For dogs, avoid stairs and jumping. For cats, a small, confined area with a nearby litter box is often ideal during early recovery.
3. Restrict Activity During the Healing Period
Limiting activity is one of the most important aspects of dog and cat surgery recovery.
- Avoid running, jumping, or rough play
- Use a leash for short, controlled walks if approved by your veterinarian
- Follow all exercise restrictions until cleared
Even active pets need enforced rest to prevent incision damage or delayed healing.
4. Monitor the Surgical Incision Daily
Check your pet’s incision at least once a day. Mild redness or swelling may be normal initially, but contact your veterinarian if you notice:
- Increasing redness or swelling
- Discharge, bleeding, or odor
- Open stitches or missing sutures
- Persistent licking or chewing
An e-collar or clothing may be recommended to protect the surgical site.
5. Manage Pain and Medications Safely
Pain management is critical for healing. Always:
- Administer medications exactly as prescribed
- Never give human medications unless directed by a veterinarian
If your pet shows side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or appetite loss, contact your veterinarian immediately.
6. Support Nutrition and Hydration After Surgery
Some pets may eat less after surgery, which can be normal for a short time. Your veterinarian may recommend:
- Smaller, more frequent meals
- Soft or prescription diets
- Encouraging consistent water intake
It’s also very common for pets to get constipated after surgery, often for 3-5 days or even longer, due to anesthesia, pain medications (especially opioids like Tramadol), reduced activity, and not eating/drinking enough, but it usually resolves as they recover and eat more, though you should contact your vet if they strain, cry, or don’t go for many days.
Why Constipation Happens:
- Anesthesia: Slows down the intestinal muscles (motility).
- Pain Meds: Narcotics and some NSAIDs (like Rimadyl, Carprofen) can slow digestion.
- Fasting: Not eating before surgery means less bulk in the gut.
- Reduced Activity: Less movement means less stimulation for bowel movements.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough can make stool hard.
What to Do:
- Encourage Hydration: Offer water, low-sodium broth, or add water to soften kibble.
- Food Additions: A small amount (1-2 tbsp) of plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) can help.
- Gentle Exercise: Short, slow walks encourage movement.
- Contact Your Vet: If your pet is straining, crying, or hasn’t had a bowel movement in 4-5 days, call your veterinarian for advice.
7. Watch for Signs of Post-Surgical Complications
Seek immediate veterinary care if your pet experiences:
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Fever or extreme lethargy
- Increased pain or swelling
- Sudden behavioral changes
Prompt attention can prevent minor concerns from becoming serious emergencies.
8. Attend All Follow-Up Appointments
Recheck appointments allow your veterinarian to evaluate healing, remove sutures if needed, and adjust medications or activity restrictions. These visits are a vital part of your pet’s recovery plan.
Trusted Emergency & Post-Surgical Care for Pets in Volusia County
At Animal Emergency Hospital Volusia, Animal Emergency Hospital DeLand, and Animal Emergency Hospital Palm Coast, we’re proud to support pets and their families throughout Volusia, Flagler, Lake, and Seminole counties. Our experienced emergency teams work closely with you to ensure your pet receives coordinated, compassionate care before, during, and after surgery.
If you have questions or concerns during your pet’s recovery, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help 24/7.
Warmest wishes,
Dr. Diane Johnson
Founder, Medical Director
