We recommend they are closely observed during the first 12 hours after surgery. It is not necessary to stay up, or sleep next to your pet and you can leave your dog alone after surgery for short periods as long as they aren't likely to lick their stitches.
And there have been cases of animals spreading resistant strains of staph infections and other diseases by licking cuts and wounds after surgery, so it's not recommended that pets be allowed in bed then.
Set aside extra time to snuggle with her, pet her, and just dote on your pup. The more reassurance she has from you, the better she'll feel. Your dog may also need distractions and mental stimulation if she hates being confined. Try chew toys, squeaky toys, and interactive toys.
In most cases, your dog's activity will need to be restricted for at least one to two weeks or until the sutures are removed (if the sutures are to be removed). During this time, limiting your dog's activity is essential to prevent the incision from opening.
Keep your pet confined where it will be quiet and warm. DO NOT place it on a bed or other high place. Keep your pet away from other animals and children for at least 12 hours. Offer water and food in very small amounts for the first 12 hours.
It is not necessary to stay up, or sleep next to your pet and you can leave your dog alone after surgery for short periods as long as they aren't likely to lick their stitches. In fact, many dogs will appreciate some quiet time and the opportunity to sleep after the anaesthetic.
During the first three to four days after her surgery, you can leave your dog alone for four hours at a time. These four hours will allow her time to sleep and rest, but will also help you to be around enough that you can spot problems she may have.
Too much activity too soon will disrupt the healing process and can lead to swelling and/or the formation of a fluid pocket under the incision. If a fluid pocket does form (seroma), it should go away on its own in a few weeks. Short on-leash walks are okay. Running or off-leash yard play should not be allowed.
Interactive Toys/Puzzles
Another simple way to keep your dog mentally stimulated is through interactive toys. Pet stores often have a big variety of doggie puzzles and interactive toys to choose from. You could also make a simple puzzle game with a muffin tin and some tennis balls.
To summarise, do not leave your dog alone with a cone, especially if it's their first time. They need to be under supervision until they get used to the cone. Keep an eye on their behaviour and take them to a vet immediately if you notice something unusual.
If your canine gets agitated or excited they are more likely to re-open their stitches, which will delay the time it takes to recover from a spay. Keep your puppy or dog comfortable by setting up a quiet, stress-free environment for their days after the surgery.
My pet won't lay down or rest. Does this happen often? Your pet may be somewhat groggy, confused, uncomfortable, or not used to the e-collar, so being anxious is not uncommon. Provide your pet a comfortable place to lay down and try your best to not hover or push them into laying down.
After your dog has had surgery it is important to provide them with a comfortable and quiet place to rest, away from children and other pets. If your dog typically curls up on a small bed to sleep you may want to invest in a larger bed so that the incision site isn't pulled.
After a procedure, a bowel movement can take anywhere from 3-5 days! Although that may seem like a long time for a furbaby that normally poops daily- this is actually a normal reaction to a surgical procedure. When a pet undergoes surgery, bowel motility is slowed down by the anesthetics and opioids that are used.
Recovery Times For Pets After Surgery
In most cases, soft tissue operations such as spaying, neutering or abdominal surgery recover more quickly than procedures involving the bones, joints and ligaments. Many soft tissue operations have healed about 80% after 2-3 weeks, and may be completely healed in about 6 weeks.
Some pets will also vocalize or whine as the last remaining sedative or anesthetic medications are removed from their systems, or in response to the prescribed pain medication. If crying or whining is mild and intermittent, you may simply monitor the situation. If vocalization persists, please call us for advice.
These side effects can range from increased aggression, depression, anxiety, or even clinginess; however, they only last for a short amount of time.
Many dogs are sleepy or tired for twelve to twenty-four hours after anesthesia. If your dog appears to be unusually sluggish or you cannot arouse them easily, contact the hospital immediately for specific advice.
Provide lots of positive reinforcement when they're calm and relaxed in the cone. Treats and affection help to show them they're doing the right thing and eases their tension. Show them some love. Don't underestimate the power of your touch.
A few days after the procedure, it is probably OK to involve your pup in controlled leash walks – this includes walking up and down the stairs. Take it slow and discourage rough behavior. Be sure to keep the cone on as long as your vet recommends.
Using the leash, maintain a short lead while on furniture if your dog is prone to jumping down on their own, and a long lead to tie your dog to various furniture items on the floor to keep them from wandering around.
No running, jumping, climbing stairs or doing anything other than walking on a leash for the next 10 days. Your pet needs to be kept in an indoor crate/ kennel for most of the day and night for the next 10 days. The time of highest risk for the sutures breaking down is 3-5 days after surgery.
It is important to reduce environmental stressors, stimuli, and activity during post neuter or spay recovery. Take this time to show your furry friend lots of affection by cuddling. Plus, limit houseguest visits and social interactions to avoid overstimulating your dog with the presence of new people.
Dogs should go out on a leash to urinate and defecate and should not return to long walks or runs until after the 7-10 day recovery period. Your pet's appetite should return to normal within 24-48 hours of surgery.
If you're still not sure what's going on with your dog, please call your vet clinic and brainstorm with a nurse to try to figure out why it's happening. The good news is that if you follow the rules, the whining should stop overnight or within a few days.