When you come home from the vet, you will need to take care of your dog carefully and you have to have to give close watch on your dog’s condition.  Here are the things that you have to consider when you have been given the go signal to go home.

First, prepare your dog’s bed.  Make sure that the bed is soft enough to give your dog comfort, but firm enough to support your dog during the healing process.  Provide warmth for some dogs can experience a chill as a post-anesthesia effect.  If the weather is too warm, place the sleeping area in the coolest place of the house.

For the first 24-72 hours your dog will be somewhat unstable. Do not expect to have your dog running around like the usual.  Here are the following behaviors from your dog post-surgery and what you can do to help him cope with them.

• Anorexia or lack of appetite and that includes water.  However if it continues for more than 24 hours, you need to call your vet so he will tell you what to do.
  • Solution: your dog should not be given anything by mouth for a duration that your vet would order.  Usually, it may last for 24-72 hours
• Another thing to expect post-surgery is nausea and vomiting.
  • Solution: your vet would recommend not feeding your dog anything for 24 hours after going home. Afterwards, feed your dog small and frequently until your dog recovers.  Ask your vet what to give your dog to remedy an upset stomach.
• Your dog will be lethargic as his or her nervous system recovers from the effects of anesthesia.
  • Solution: let your dog rest and do not force any strenuous activities or active play for several days.  Gradually introduce activity after 3-5 days, always being careful not to over-exert your dog.
• Your dog’s sense of balance will also be affected; your dog may stumble every now and then.
  • Solution: watch where your dog is going, and do not let your dog go outside or at the stairs.  Your dog may encounter an accident that may
• Expect urinary and fecal incontinence for a few days, and that means accidents.
  • Solution: you may need to line your dog’s bed or crate with absorbent matting that will protect the mattress.  Be prepared to do some extra washing and do not scold or punish your dog whenever the accidents happen.  Once the effect of anesthesia wears off, your dog will regain bladder and bowel control.
• Because of the pain from the surgery, your dog will be irritated and aggressive.
  • Solution: keep your kids away from your dog for a while and do not play with your dog too aggressively.  If your dog does not feel like playing, do not force the issue.  Other dogs should also be kept away from her for a few days.  Always make sure that you keep up with your dog’s pain medication to lessen the pain and discomfort.
• Your dog will have the constant desire to lick at the sutures because of the discomfort.
  • Solution: prevent this action by keeping on your dog’s Elizabeth collar on.  This is the collar that is shaped almost exactly like a lamp shade.  This is to be kept on for 14 days, until the sutures are removed.  Your dog’s saliva has many bacteria that can infect the incision.

Your vet will recommend a diet that will help promote the healing process.  Usually, the diet is rich in protein, fiber, and also some supplements just in case your dog will have no appetite for a long time.  Clean your dog’s suture three times a day with betadine for the duration that is recommended by your doctor.

This will help hasten the healing process, and also protect your dog from infection.  Do not let your dog jump around and run while the suture is still intact. Excessive activity will only break open the suture, causing further complications.  If your dog is not showing any signs of improvement for 72 hours, go to the vet so proper management will be given and complications are prevented.