What to Expect After a Surgical Procedure

Consider Grooming Before Procedure-Day

Your pet should not be bathed, allowed to swim, or get wet for at least 14 days after the procedure (this includes oral surgery). Some moisture from dewy grass or rainy weather may be unavoidable, especially for smaller/shorter breeds, so you may want to consider having your lawn cut or trimmed leading up to the procedure day to reduce it as much as possible.

For pets with longer facial hair or beards, trimming the hair before oral surgery may help keep the area cleaner during recovery.

Effects of Anesthesia

It is normal for your pet to be sleepy, groggy, or a little disoriented after anesthesia. These effects may last up to 24 hours and can include whining, dysphoria, or confusion.

During this time:

• Keep your pet in a safe, quiet area where they can rest
• Monitor them around stairs, swimming pools, and other pets until the sedation wears off completely
• Only give medications as directed by your veterinarian

A small amount of coughing may occur for 24–48 hours after surgery due to irritation from the endotracheal tube used during anesthesia. If coughing continues beyond 48 hours, please contact our team.

Food & Water After Surgery

If your pet has oral surgery, canned food or softened food may be recommended for 10–14 days after the procedure. If your pet has a sensitive stomach, you may want to introduce softened food gradually before the day of the procedure or stay with their regular diet and have it soak in hot water until it softens and cools.

Because different foods soften at different rates, completing a trial run before surgery can help you feel prepared.

Avoid any at-home dental care routines for 10-14 days after oral surgery. This includes dental chews or treats, brushing teeth, and some water-additives.

If your pet is diabetic, the post-operative feeding instructions may be different.

Nutrition is an important part of recovery, but since your pet has been fasting for the procedure, he or she may be hungry and eating or drinking too quickly may cause vomiting.

The evening of the procedure - unless directed otherwise - offer your pet a small amount of their normal food (about ¼ of their usual portion) and a small amount of water once they are settled comfortably at home.

It is normal for your pet to have a reduced appetite the evening of the procedure. Most pets should return to normal eating and drinking habits the following day.

If your pet is not interested in eating, you can try:

• Adding a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth to their food
• Mixing in canned chicken breast packed in water (or just the water)

If your pet keeps food down for an hour after feeding, you may offer a little bit more closer to bedtime.

Medications

If medications are prescribed after surgery, follow the instructions on the label carefully, and do not administer them outside of the instructions provided. Your discharge instructions will include when to begin each medication. If multiple medications are prescribed, they may need to be started at different times.

Please contact us if you have questions about administering medications or if your pet experiences signs of an upset stomach, including:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Drooling
• Lip-smacking
• Increased lethargy

Activity Restrictions & Protecting the Surgical Site

The first 14 days after surgery are an important time for healing. Even if your pet seems to be feeling better, their body is still recovering, and too much activity can interfere with proper healing.

Please restrict activity for 14 days after surgery (this includes oral surgery):

• No running, jumping, playing, rough activity, or playing with housemates
• Keep your pet on a leash when going outside
• Take stairs slowly and carefully
• Prevent access to furniture or areas where your pet may jump

Your pet may also go home with an Elizabethan collar (e-collar) or another protective device to prevent licking, chewing, or scratching at the surgical site. Please keep the e-collar on for 14 days after surgery

Helpful tips:

• Make sure the collar fits comfortably (you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your pet’s neck)
• Replace the collar immediately if your pet removes it
• If you already have an e-collar at home, bring it with you at check-in so we can confirm it is appropriate for your pet’s procedure

Depending on the procedure, a “recovery suit” may be an appropriate alternative. Our surgical team can discuss whether this option is right for your pet and the type of procedure. If a recovery suit is determined to be a safe option, you should acquire it and ensure it fits properly before surgery day.

If your pet has visible sutures, we will schedule a follow-up appointment approximately two weeks after surgery for removal.

Monitoring the Incision & Keeping It Dry

Check your pet’s incision at least twice daily during recovery. A small amount of bruising, swelling, or clear/blood-tinged discharge can be normal during the first 2-3 days after surgery. Please contact us right away if you notice:

• Continued drainage after 72 hours
• Increased swelling
• Foul odors
• Dark (frank) or excessive bleeding
• Any concerns about how the incision is healing

To help prevent infection and support healing, keep the incision clean and dry.

If your pet does get wet, gently towel-dry the area and contact us if you have concerns.

Call, Text, Email or Stop-by with Questions

You know your pet better than anyone. If you have questions or concerns preparing for the procedure or during your pet’s recovery, never hesitate to contact us. We are here for you.