Whether for the sterilization of a cat or a dog, for tooth extraction or following an accident, the operation is an obligatory step in the life of an animal. But the treatment and the first days following this intervention can be difficult to manage because of the animal's temperament.
Recovering Your Pet After Surgery
Before the procedure, the animal is anesthetized. However, the product (combined with the side effects of the surgery) can make it difficult for the animal to wake up. He may therefore be asleep, disoriented or unable to move when his owner picks him up. It is therefore recommended to prepare well in advance for the return of the operated animal, dog or cat, to prepare a comfortable area for it.
If the animal is large, bringing someone with you can make it easier to lift and bring into the vehicle. If transported in a crate, it must remain comfortable to avoid any shock. Finally, it is important to warn other members of the family that the animal must be left alone for the few days following the operation.
Good to know
After general anesthesia, dogs sometimes urinate while sleeping, so be sure to protect their bed with a mattress pad.
Why is rest necessary after surgery?
Whatever part of the body is operated on, rest is essential for convalescence. In addition to possible drug treatment, sleeping helps the animal's body recover from anesthesia. Additionally, if the animal is too active after surgery, complete healing may be delayed. In the worst cases, animals may open their wounds, suffer complications or suffer further. It is therefore imperative to keep the animal at rest and to limit interactions with children or other animals. To be well installed and facilitate rest, the dog or cat must be placed in a quiet place, at room temperature and in a basket. The location must also be easy to monitor to act quickly in the event of a problem.
How can I encourage my pet to rest after surgery?
Firstly, you must take care to limit the movements of the dog or cat as much as possible. To do this, placing the food and water bowls next to the basket where he rests is a good reflex. Next, it is recommended to leave a few toys nearby, as the animal can quickly become bored if it remains still. For dogs, short walks may be approved by the veterinarian. This can help him see something else and rest better afterwards.
On the other hand, cats must remain locked up. In the 48 hours following the operation, the animal must rest and the owner must monitor its movements. If he cannot stand on his feet after two days, you should call the veterinarian again.