Are you a proud pet owner who recently had your furry friend undergo a spay or neuter procedure? Congratulations on taking this vital step to save lives and control overpopulation in animal shelters! Now that your pet has completed the surgery, it’s crucial to provide them with proper care during the recovery period. This article will outline essential guidelines to ensure your pet’s post-surgical well-being.
Your Pet’s Recovery: A Step-by-Step Guide
Stitches and Wound Care
Your pet’s incision has been closed with dissolvable stitches, which will disappear on their own, eliminating the need for removal. To safeguard the wound’s healing process, it’s crucial for your pet to wear the provided Elizabethan collar. This clever accessory will prevent your pet from licking or chewing at the wound. After ten days, if there is no swelling or discharge, you can remove the collar.
Food and Water
As your pet has just undergone anesthesia, we recommend dividing their normal meal into four smaller portions. Feed your furry friend 1/4 of the regular amount every hour over a four-hour period. If your pet shows a lack of interest in their food, you can try offering them something more enticing like chicken and rice. Don’t fret if their appetite remains poor the next morning. You can resume the regular feeding schedule. However, if poor appetite persists, please consult us for advice at 212-799-7000.
Pain Management
Post-surgery, your pet may experience some discomfort. To ensure their comfort, we have provided pain medication. Follow the prescribed instructions carefully. Refrain from applying any topical ointments or administering oral medications not prescribed by the doctor, as doing so may harm your pet’s recovery.
Cat Litter Considerations
If your male cat has undergone neutering, the incision will heal without stitches. To prevent cat litter from getting stuck to the incision, we recommend using shredded newspaper as an alternative for five days post-surgery. Female cats undergoing spaying do not require this precaution.
Exercise Limitations
While you can continue walking your dog as usual, it’s crucial to limit their activity level to no more than 15 minutes per walk for ten days. This precaution ensures the incision site remains intact and promotes proper healing.
Grooming Guidelines
To prevent infection, please refrain from giving your pet a bath for ten days. Water can penetrate the incision site, potentially causing complications. Once the recommended period has passed, you can resume your pet’s regular grooming routine.
The Importance of Elizabethan Collar Use
Except for male cat neuters, your pet will be sent home with an Elizabethan collar. This unique accessory, resembling a large lampshade, plays a vital role in preventing your pet from licking or chewing the incision site. It is imperative that the collar remains on at all times for ten days to prevent the stitches from unraveling and the wound from becoming infected.
Consider Other Pets
While the Elizabethan collar effectively prevents your pet from interfering with the wound, it does not stop other animals from doing the same. We recommend separating your other pets until the healing process is complete. Additionally, avoid allowing any rough play that may harm the incision site.
Keep An Eye Out: Warning Signs and What to Do
Urination/Defecation Patterns
It is common for pets to experience changes in their urination and defecation patterns after surgery. Some cats may not use the litter box without litter, so consider using a dust-free alternative available at your local pet shop. Post-surgery, some animals may develop diarrhea. If this occurs, you can feed them a mixture of boiled chicken and plain white rice. However, if no urine or normal stool is observed after one day, please contact our Emergency Mobile Clinic at 212-799-7000.
Nausea Concerns
The anesthesia used during surgery may cause an upset stomach in some pets. Depending on age and health, it may take up to a day for the anesthesia to fully leave their system. If your pet appears sleepy on the night after the surgery, there is no cause for alarm. By the following morning, they should be back to their usual selves.
Monitoring the Incision
It is normal for a small bump to appear near the incision due to the dissolvable stitches. However, monitor the wound daily for any signs of abnormality. Some redness or bruising around the area is expected. Should you notice pus or blood oozing from the incision site, or if the incision has opened, please reach out to our Emergency Mobile Clinic immediately at 212-799-7000.
Adjusting to the Home Environment
It’s not uncommon for pets to hide when they return home after surgery. Create a more intimate space for them by confining them to a smaller room or a crate. This will facilitate administering medication and allow you to monitor their wound daily.
Remember, by following these guidelines, you are providing your beloved pet with the care they need to recover successfully. Feel free to reach out to us at any time if you have further questions or concerns. And don’t forget to share the importance of spaying and neutering with your friends and family to help us create a better future for our furry companions.
To learn more about our services and commitment to your pet’s well-being, visit Katten TrimSalon.