As your dog ages, recovering from surgery becomes harder and harder, yet even younger pups can have a tough time overcoming difficult surgeries. Amongst dogs, leg and foot traumas tend to be the most common ailments that require a prolonged recovery time. We know that most people view their pets as a part of the family, that’s why we’ve dedicated years to researching the best, natural, ways of promoting healing and longevity during your dog’s recovery.
It’s important to always follow your vet’s directions to the letter when helping your dog to recover after surgery. And, you should always check with your vet before making any dietary or supplemental changes to your dog’s daily routine.
Once you bring your dog home from the vet, his care will be in your hands. We’re sure that you want your pup to recover as quickly and painlessly as possible, that’s why we’ve created this list of post-op care recommendations. Dog care after surgery doesn’t need to be tricky, follow these simple steps below to help quicken your dog’s recovery after surgery.
1. Keep Your Pet Off His Feet
One of the hardest aspects of your dog’s recovery is keeping them still while they’re recovering. For the first couple of hours post-op after your dog’s surgery, your pup will most likely be too tired getup and move around. But once the rest of his anesthesia has worn off, you may have a hard time convincing your dog to take it easy. While their injured limb may still be bothering them, dogs are notorious for shouldering through their pain. Most vets recommend that pets stay inactive for around 3-7 days after a major surgery. So how can you keep your active dog lying still?
- When allowing your pet to go outside to relieve himself always keep him on a short leash. Retractable leashes will be a problem because they’ll still allow for your pup to warned, and going leash free, even in a fenced-in area, won’t give you enough control.
- Avoid long walks or long bursts of exercise. Whether it’s playing fetch or going for a long walk, try to keep your dog’s exercise to a minimum. It might be hard, but your dog will be better off in the long run for this decision.
- Try to keep your pet from jumping on and off the furniture as this action may aggravate their wounds.
- Keep your pet in a crate when you’re not at home. This will help to keep him from wandering around when you’re not able to watch him.
- If your pet is small enough, carry them up and down stairs.
2. Persuade Your Pet to Eat
Right after surgery, many pets will avoid eating out of discomfort. It will be your job to get your pet eating again. Many pets to avoid eating right away after surgery, especially if their regular diet is dry kibble. If this is the case, you may want to try feeding your pet a cooked meal consisting of a 1:1 ratio of both cooked protein and a carb. One of the most common combinations for this diet is boiled ground turkey with rice. It’s important to find a low-fat meat that won’t upset your pet’s stomach. Some alternatives for the carb option can also include cooked pasta and potatoes.
If your pet begins to vomit after eating this new meal we recommend feeding your pet a smaller portion at their next mealtime. Continue building back up to his typical food allowance as your pet’s system learn to adjust to this new diet.
3. Provide Comfort
When it comes to healing, a little comfort can go a long way. Don’t underestimate the power of a fluffed pillow or extra five minutes of snuggle time. Just as humans enjoy comfort, so do pets. When your pet is recovering, we urge you take spend as much time with them as possible. And some comforts can help your pet more than just offering support. For example, when your pet first comes home after surgery he may have trouble regulating his temperature. Providing him with an extra blanket will not only make him feel better, but it will also help keep him warm.
4. Use Supplements to Promote Recovery
At Wapiti Labs, we’ve dedicated years to creating the best natural supplements for pets, and our Recuperate formula is no exception. We used ingredients like Pseudoginseng Root, “Dragon Blood” Resin, and Carthamus Flower to craft a supplement that not only helps your pet recover from surgeries and injury, but also supports natural healing.
Thanks to our wholesome ingredients, our Recuperate formula is able to:
- Manage dog’s discomfort and tissue damage after injury or medical intervention
- Help support the natural healing process
- Invigorate and move the blood to support your pet’s normal inflammatory response
- Help support the natural healing process and normal recovery time
- Maintain a normal disposition
- Disperse blood stagnation
Why Recuperate Is Right for Your Dog
Finding supplements for dogs to aid in their post-op recovery can be a challenge. At Wapiti Labs, we’ve taken the guesswork out of the equation. Our science-driven Recuperate supplement was made with only one goal in mind: to help your dog with recovery support. Whether your dog is recovering from tissue damage or bone-related trauma, working dogs and companions alike can benefit from Recuperate during their recovery process. And once your pet is strong again, you may want to consider preventative supplements like our Mobility, Strength, G.I. Tract, or Chest formulas. When it comes time for recovery support, reach for Recuperate and help them to recover properly the first time.
My dog just had surgery today and his body temp is still really low. We have 3 blankets on him and it’s still really low. What should I do? We even have the heat on.
use a heating pad and if you dont have one sock and some rice in the microwave and after 1 to 2 days if his temp is still to low i would suggest taking him to the vet
My dog had double knee surgery on Friday she came home Sunday but hasnt eaten anything, im worried she hasnt got the energy to stand or have a wee…any suggestions ?
I got a sling for my girl after her ccl surgery to help hold her up. It was a very painful surgery. She also didnt want to eat. I mixed peanut butter in her food. And she ate. Idk about having 2 bum knees. Sounds brutal, I wouldn’t want to walk either. But call you vet if he isn’t peeing at all, that can be a dangerous side effect of anesthesia. Though I’m sure it’s just the pain. Good luck.
My dog is 10, had surgery Tuesday. ( week ago today) She was spayed, and had 3 boobs removed with tumors. She hasn’t handled it well. I think the pain is minimal now, ( though still on pain meds, she’s been on these meds since January when she had ccl surgery, so it’s not the meds bothering her) but she is acting very very strange. Whining, all the time. Panting. Very high anxiety . She is even digging in her pillows, bed, blankets and carpet. I feel like she has gone insane. Can that happen? I hoping when she is fully healed she will act normal. I’m suppose to go to vet today. Took her in Thursday as an emergency, and her vitals, and blood count, ect was all fine, just anxious and thought we should up the dose of her meds. They also did cold laser therapy) it all seems very behavioral to me. Help. I’m a nervous wreck, and so sick to my stomach, haven’t gotten any sleep in almost a week. And I love my dog… I want her back. My dog, with her personality!
Did you receive a reply about this issue? My dog is going in for surgery Wednesday and I’m trying to prepare myself for all situations, as much as possible. How is your dog now? And can’t we just call them our children since that’s what they are?
If I had to take my dog into surgery, I would for sure follow your tips here. After the surgery is when they’ll need care the most. Of these tips, I think that providing comfort would be the best thing we could do.
My dog had emergency surgery and is still in recovery at the vet. We thought she had a blockage but it turns out it may be IBD or cancer. I am freaking out but hoping for the best and that she will come home in another day or so. She’s 10 and I am concerned she won’t heal from this. Her temp is low, can you recommend a flat heating pad or is a heated blanket okay? Suggestions on food prep for her stomach? IBD will be a strict diet and if it’s cancer, I just want to make her as comfortable as possible for a few days before I have to say goodbye. I don’t want to drag on healing and pain for weeks if she ultimately will not get better. All suggestions welcome!
My dog had surgery today . She had big lumps in her breast and it was very big surgery. She can’t sit because of stitches . She is standing . I did help her to lay down but after few minutes she stand up again . I know it’s hurt when she try to sit or lay down. What should I do ?
I like what you said about keeping your dog on a leash after it has undergone surgery. Any surgery is hard for a dog to recover from, so I appreciate your tip. If my pet were to need surgery, I would make sure to find the best vet in the area.
Thanks for the tip that I should prevent my pet from jumping around after a surgery. I do doubt though it my dog would be able to do that after a pet surgery since the procedure would involve on of his hind legs. Maybe I should hide all of the toys that we use for playing fetch so that he doesn’t get riled up all of a sudden.