What should be in your to-do listing when planning your dog for operation? Our Ventura vets discuss some tips, together with basic instructions you will receive from the veterinarian.
How to Prepare Your Dog Surgery
The countdown is on: you have got to prepare your dog for surgery. Whether he is going in for a hip replacement, open-heart operation, or something else, you’re sifting through a lot of information.
Are there any medicines you want to administer pre-surgery? When should he eat last before the surgery? What about any additional testing that needs to be done?
Though you’ll get detailed instructions from your vet, the process can still feel overpowering if this is your pet’s first time having a particular procedure. That’s why we’re explaining the basics today – to allow you to think ahead and plan as successfully as possible.
The Week Ahead
While it might seem premature to start planning an entire week before your dog’s operation, your vet might need to do additional tests before your furry friend goes in for his surgery.
Additionally, it is a good idea to begin planning for practicalities such as transport to and from the hospital. In addition, if your puppy becomes bathed frequently or finds a groomer, think about scheduling this a couple of days before his surgery as the incision will have to be kept dry after the operation.
Additionally, ask your vet if this is a good time to check that your dog’s vaccinations are up so far – some vets may set off administering these depending upon your dog’s medical history and current condition.
The Evening Before
Your pet’s night-before itinerary may vary, so talk about what should be done with your vet. If these questions are not answered on your release instructions, ask your veterinarian about these:
- Can my dog exercise as usual the day prior to operation?
- If my puppy stops eating or drinking?
- Can my dog take his medication as prescribed?
This is also a good time to prep your home for the next day, following your dog’s returns from his process. Organize a private place for your puppy to recover, perhaps away from other pets, and set up his crate with everything he will need.
Make sure any food and drugs he might need to meet specific dietary requirements are easily accessible and prepared to take to the vet if needed. You can also consider cleaning your pet’s bedding to reduce the risk of infection.
The Morning Of
On the morning of your dog’s operation, the most significant thing you could do is to make sure that your dog doesn’t have access to any water or food. Eating or drinking can cause aspiration during anesthesia, which is potentially life-threatening.
Every pet’s anesthetic plan will be customized according to their particular condition. With every furry friend, we take overall cardiovascular health and lab work under consideration.
Make sure you arrive on time to your pet’s appointment so any additional blood pressure, catheter placement, and other pre-surgery preparations may be done unrushed. Confirm our front desk has your latest contact information so they can reach you with some updates.
Post-Operative Care
Your vet will provide comprehensive instructions concerning how to care for your pet after his surgery. Your pet will likely need to take a few drugs to alleviate pain and help reduce the possibility of secondary infections. When there’s an incision, your veterinarian can give him an E-collar to prevent him from licking the incision while it heals.
Although you may detect your pooch hating their period at the “cone of pity”, leaving this collar on while the incision heals will reduce the risk of preventing or disease caused by bacteria from his tongue getting into the region.
Your pet might also be put on restricted activity, which might be difficult for your dog if he is a lively breed. Nonetheless, this is critical for proper recovery. To make it easier on both of you, think about putting your dog in his cage or ask your vet about sedatives. Your vet will also probably recommend not bathing your dog or shake the incision for the first two weeks (or before the sutures come out).
Precisely following your vet’s instructions will help your dog fully recuperate. Visit Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group for more information.
Note: The information provided in this informative article is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
