Pet Aftercare Instructions

YOUR PET HAD MAJOR SURGERY UNDER GENERAL ANESTHESIA TODAY! This is not to be taken lightly. 

For the safety and well-being of your pet, PLEASE read and follow these post-operative instructions carefully!

FOOD AND WATER: Whenever any anesthesia is used, stomach upset can occur.  To avoid stomach upset, we recommend that you restrict the amount of food and water your pet has access to during the first 3 hours at home after surgery.  You may provide ice cubes to lick or chew at this time.  Offer a small amount of their normal food and water after 3 hours and gradually increase over the next 24 hours.  Some animals might not eat until the next day – this is fine.  Please Do Not feed table food or scraps to your pet during this time.

PAIN: Your pet was given an injection for pain control at the time of surgery.  Do Not administer any additional medication to your pet, unless specifically prescribed by the veterinarian.  Many over-the-counter human products are toxic to dogs and cats.  Do Not give Tylenol or aspirin, as they can be deadly to your pet.  Many pets whine the first night.  This is usually not an indication of pain, but rather just general dissatisfaction or an upset stomach.

INCISION CARE: Check your pet’s incision daily.  A small amount of blood seepage is normal immediately after surgery.  Some bruising, redness, and swelling are expected and are not cause for alarm.  Occasionally, a small, hard, non-painful lump will develop under the incision.  It is likely a sterile suture reaction and is normal.  It should resolve without treatment within 2-3 weeks.  Do Not apply ointments or creams to the incision, as they can delay the healing process and encourage licking.  The incision must be kept dry.  Do Not allow your pet to get wet for at least 7 days after surgery.  This means No bathing, swimming, or rainy-day exposure.

LICKING: Do Not allow your pet to lick at the incision area.  This will significantly delay healing and can cause the area to become infected.  If licking becomes a problem, an e-collar can be used to prevent them from being able to reach the incision.  E-collars can be purchased at most pet stores.

ACTIVITY: Restrict activity for the next 7-10 days – No running, jumping, or hard playing during this recovery period.  Any strenuous activity will disrupt the healing process.  Keep your pet on a leash when outside.  Prevent them from jumping into and out of vehicles, or on and off furniture, during this period.

IN HEAT: Females that were in heat at the time of surgery may have some blood-tinged vaginal discharge for a few days.  You must keep her away from un-neutered males for two weeks.  While she is unable to become pregnant, she will still attract males for a period of time.

YOUR PET IS AT RISK OF HYPOTHERMIA.  IT MUST BE KEPT IN A WARM, DRY PLACE FOR 24 to 48 HOURS. 

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Sandy Newton:
406.431.4996
hello@spaymontana.org