Caring for Your Dog After Surgery: 7 Tips to Help

1. Ensure Bed Rest
2. Keep Up With Medicine
Some dogs need antibiotics after their surgery, others need pain medications. Set an alarm on your phone to ensure that you remember to give your dog medicines as needed. Read the instructions for each type of medicine, to ensure that you administer the medicine properly.
3. Watch for Behaviors That Could Damage the Wound Site
As your dog's wound site starts to heal, watch your dog for behaviors that could cause infection. Your dog may try to scratch, lick, or bite the wound. Stop your dog from engaging in these behaviors as soon as you notice them happening. You may need to put a cone around your dog's neck. Talk to your dog's veterinarian about the behavior to work on potential solutions.
4. Create a Relaxing Environment
Keep your dog away from small children, loud noises and anything that could cause your dog stress. You may need to set up a quiet room for your dog in a part of the house where people do not spend as much time.
5. Feed Your Dog Properly
6. Watch for Problems
Watch for problems following your dog's surgery. Symptoms like oozing and strange odors around the wound site could be an indication that your dog is struggling with infection. Talk to your pet's veterinarian if you notice these signs.