It can be such a worrying time if your pet needs to have surgery and there are lots of things to think about after your pet has had their operation – rest, food, medication, check-up appointments, their wound… but don’t worry, we’ve put together a top list of recommendations from our PDSA Pet Store to help.
Rest
Most pets will need rest after surgery, even if it’s only a minor procedure. This will usually involve keeping them warm, restricting exercise, and preventing jumping and the use of stairs. Dogs may be only allowed out on a lead, cats may need to be kept indoors, and small pets may need to temporarily move indoors too for their recovery – take your vets advice on this.
Make sure they have their favourite bed or blanket or treat them to a new one! We love this Arctic Box Duvet Bed for dogs as it’s soft, padded, and allows your dog full range to stretch out and get comfy. Cats can be a bit fussy with beds so stick with their usual choices. For small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs, take your vets advice on the best bedding for them – sometimes bedding needs to be temporarily changed or removed completely to prevent it sticking to their surgical wound. We stock lots of bedding options in our Small Pets section on the Pet Store.
Often, your pet will feel better after several days so may feel up to exercising and playing again, however, rest is usually recommended for longer. If they will use them calmly, you can keep them entertained and busy with a puzzle feeder toy like a KONG Classic for dogs or this Kruuse Catmosphere Treat Ball for cats.
Being kept indoors and having changes to routine can sometimes be a little stressful to pets, especially cats so consider using a calming remedy like this spray from Pet Remedy. This blend of essential oils works alongside the brain’s natural relaxation pathways to help calm anxious or stressed pets. This can also support other pets in the house not to be worried around your pet that has had surgery – this can happen as your pet that has been hospitalised will smell different than they did before and pets are big on scent.
Diet and toileting
Ensure your pet always has easy access to clean drinking water. Unless your vet has recommended a special diet, feed them their normal food (little and often) for the first 24-48 hours, then start feeding them normally again. Your pet’s tummy may feel a little sensitive after the anaesthetic and surgery so avoid anything rich or fatty. If your pet is sick, has diarrhoea, or isn’t eating 24 hours after their surgery, contact your vet.
Cats will need to be kept indoors for a period of time specified by your vet following their surgery, so if you don’t already have one, you will need to get litter trays (one per cat in the house plus an extra one!) and litter for them. We’d recommend using large open, low sided litter trays so your cat can easily access them like this Petface one. Make sure it’s in a private area but close by so they don’t have to walk too far if they’re uncomfortable after surgery. We also stock a wide range of different cat litters – use one that won’t get stuck to their wound like paper- or wood-based pellets.
It can take your pet a few days to poo because anaesthetic tends to slow the guts down a bit but contact your vet if you are worried.
Stitches and Wound
Check your pet’s wound a few times a day. If you notice any redness, swelling, bleeding, missing stitches, or discharge – contact your vet. You don’t need to clean or put any creams on the wound unless advised by your vet, but you will need to fit them with a protective cone, inflatable collar, or protective body suit to stop them from licking/nibbling their wound. Otherwise, they may remove stitches, break the wound open, and/or cause an infection.
These products will only be effective in preventing your pet getting to their wound if they wear the right size. You need to measure your pet’s neck and nose, or body for the suits and consult the sizing guide on the Pet Store listing.
This EZ Soft Recovery Cone Collar for dogs and cats is comfortable, breathable, and lightweight, but some pets can bend the fabric to reach their wound!
We also stock inflatable collars like this one from KONG for dogs and cats, which fits comfortably around their neck and likely won’t restrict eating and drinking. They aren’t really suitable for dogs with long noses or pets with wounds on their legs as often they can reach around the collar to get to their wound.
Body suits are another option like the Kruuse BUSTER suits for cats, rabbits, and dogs. They aim to be comfortable, soft, and flexible, but do consider if your pet would feel stressed wearing one. Also consider the time of year as these suits may not be appropriate in hot weather.
Medication and Check-Ups
Make sure you give your pet all their prescribed medication on time – use a medication chart to keep track and set alarms to remind you when they’re due the next dose.
It’s important to attend all your pet’s check-up appointments, even if they seem fine.
When to Contact your Vet
Contact your vet immediately if your pet has any of the following symptoms:
- Extreme tiredness/unable to stand
- Low energy for over 48 hours
- Pain or discomfort
- Problems toileting
- Redness, swelling, bleeding, or discharge around wounds
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Refusing to eat for over 24 hours
If you have any concerns or questions about your pet’s operation or their post-operative care, please speak with your vet. You can also visit the PDSA Pet Health Hub for videos, advice, and tips on how to look after your pet.
