Having an ill pet can be very worrying, and even more so when your dog needs veterinary surgery. However, there are a few simple things you can do to help their recovery from surgery go smoothly, from speaking to a veterinary surgeon to making their food seem more tempting.
Speak To Your Veterinary Surgeon Beforehand
Speaking to your pet's veterinary surgeon before surgery is a great idea, as you will be able to ask any questions you have about the surgery and recovery process. Ask if there is anything specific you need to avoid in the days following the procedure, as well as what a typical recovery looks like and if there are any problems you should look out for. If you aren't sure if a food or activity will be suitable during recovery, don't hesitate to ask. You might want to take notes during this appointment, or if your pet is having a common procedure, ask if there are any leaflets or information sheets you can take.
Keep Them Fed And Watered
Eating and drinking a good amount will help your dog to feel better and recover quickly, but some dogs can seem less inclined to eat while recovering from surgery. You should, of course, make sure that they always have a supply of fresh, cool water to tempt them to drink. If they aren't eating well, there are things you can do to make the food seem more appealing. For example, you could warm up the food, which makes it smell stronger. You could also add warm water to dry food, mix wet and dry food, or even add a small amount of chicken broth to their meals. If you struggle to get them to eat or don't know what to feed them post-surgery, speak to your vet.
Learn To Take Care Of Their Wound
Your conversation with your veterinary surgeon will give you a good idea of how much wound care is expected of you: your dog may or may not require a dressing, and you may be expected to change it regularly yourself. However, some vets prefer to take care of this for you. Get a good idea of how often you should clean the wound, how much fresh air it needs, and how to change a bandage or dressing. Your vet will be able to advise you on this. You should also familiarise yourself with wound infections — being able to spot an infection will allow you to get help from your vet immediately. Signs of an infection include pus, redness, swelling, and heat around the wound.
By following these tips you can ensure that your dog's recovery goes as quickly and smoothly as possible. To learn more, contact a veterinary surgeon near you.
