Post Surgery Restrictions and Information
Post-surgery care of your pet is of the utmost importance to us. Please carefully review the post-surgery instructions below. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Failure to follow these instructions could result in serious injury to your pet.
For the 7 to 10 days post-surgery:
- Restrict activity.
- No running, jumping, playing, swimming or other strenuous activities.
- Pets must be kept indoors where they can stay clean and dry.
- No baths.
Check the surgery site:
- Check the incision site twice daily.
- There should be no drainage. A small scab may be present and is considered acceptable. There may also be a small scab associated with the tattoo site.
- Redness and swelling should be minimal.
- Do not allow your pet to lick or chew at the incision site. If this occurs, an Elizabethan collar (cone) MUST be applied to prevent it. These collars can be purchased at a variety of pet stores and can also be purchased at the NHS Spay and Neuter Center.
You pet’s appetite/feeding you pet:
- Appetite should gradually return within 24 hours after surgery. Please do not change your pet’s diet during the post-op recovery period.
- Avoid giving your pet table scraps, milk, or any other “people food” for a minimum of seven days.
- Changes in your pet’s diet could mask post-surgical complications.
Complications to watch for:
- Pale gums
- Depression
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Discharge or bleeding from the incision
- Difficulty urinating
- Labored breathing
Monitor your pet’s pain level:
If you suspect your pet is in pain after surgery, please call the center at 402-905-3490 for an appointment. Our veterinarians will examine your pet and may prescribe additional mediactions. While a re-check is free, post-surgery, a nominal fee may be assessed for any prescribed medications.
Although we do not expect your pet to have any complications after surgery, please keep a close eye on your pet and watch for any of the signs listed above.
We are here for you and your pet!
If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s time with us or how your pet is recovering from surgery, please call us at 402-905-3490.
