Postoperative Care for Your Pet

All our patients leave the clinic fully awake (slight unsteadiness is tolerable), but your pet may not behave completely normally. Anesthetics can take several hours to be fully eliminated from the body, varying by individual.

At Home

Your pet needs rest after the procedure! Provide a quiet, calm, and warm place for them to sleep for several more hours. The spot should not be elevated (if possible, place the bed on the floor and near a heater in winter). If you have other pets at home, it is better to keep them separated. Regularly check on your pet. It is crucial to prevent jumping and climbing, especially during the first 24 hours post-operation, as coordination may not be 100%.

Some pets may not want to sleep; they might whine, wander around, and search for a comfortable spot. This is normal and not a cause for concern. Most patients handle anesthesia very well, but sometimes they may vomit. Vomiting is also relatively normal, but if your pet vomits more than three times in a short period, it is better to call (or directly visit) the vet.

After abdominal surgeries, pets should not jump, climb, or run excessively up and down stairs for the next 10-14 days. After dental procedures, pets can function normally within 24 hours.

Walking

It is normal for a pet to have an accident at home after anesthesia. For dogs, we recommend only a short walk and then letting them rest at home. If you have an outdoor cat, it is better to keep them indoors for at least 24 hours. The walking routine for the following days depends on the type of surgery. After abdominal surgeries, a calm routine with short leash walks is recommended for 10-14 days. After dental procedures, pets can function normally within 24 hours.

Feeding

About 2 hours after anesthesia, you can offer your pet something to eat - this applies to both surgical and dental procedures. The portion should be smaller (approximately 1/3 of their regular meal). If they do not vomit this portion, you can offer the remaining amount after 2-3 hours. Offer their usual food. Be cautious after dental procedures where extractions were performed, and there are stitches in the mouth - we recommend soft food on the day of surgery and for the next 7-10 days. For puppies, we recommend feeding within half an hour of waking up (we usually take care of this at the clinic).

Water can be given immediately, but under supervision - drinking too quickly can lead to vomiting, and you need to ensure the pet does not fall asleep with their nose in the bowl!

If your pet does not want to eat or drink, do not worry, offer them food again the next morning.

Medications

Usually, there is no need to administer medications on the day of surgery - all necessary medications are given by injection on the day of the procedure. Sometimes, especially with sensitive animals and after painful procedures, pain relief medication is administered on the day of the procedure. Your veterinarian will always explain which medications, how, and how often to administer them.

Wound Care

Wound care depends on the location and type of surgery. Generally, the wound should be checked daily, kept dry, and prevented from being licked or scratched by the pet. Always follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian for wound care.

At our clinic:

• Female dog spaying - we use absorbable sutures (no need for removal) and Novikov liquid bandage = no need to disinfect or cover, just check the wound.

• Cat spaying - we spay from the side and use absorbable sutures (no need for removal) and Novikov liquid bandage = no need to disinfect or cover, just check the wound.

• Male dog neutering - no need to disinfect or cover, just check the wound.

• Male cat neutering - no need to disinfect or cover, just check the wound.

If your pet does not leave the wound alone, you can use protective accessories like collars or shirts. If non-absorbable sutures are used, they are removed approximately 10-14 days after the surgery. If stitches are required in the mouth, they are not removed.

Follow-up

Follow-up depends on the type of surgery. The timing and necessity of follow-up visits are always discussed with your veterinarian.

This article contains only general information - if your veterinarian provides different instructions, always follow their specific guidance.