Finding a New Vet

If your dog is going to be having surgery, you'll need to be prepared for the recovery period. If you're worried about caring for your pet properly, it's important for you to know that the vet won't let your pet go home until it's safe for you to provide the care. In addition to the post-operative instructions that the vet will send your pet home with, here are four tips that will help your pet recovery comfortably.

Ration the Water

Your dog might be thirsty once it gets home from the vet's office. However, since it's stomach will have been empty for a while, you'll need to ration the water. Instead of placing a full bowl of water in front of your dog, try limiting it to a cup of water at a time. This is particularly important if your dog tries to gulp the water. Too much water on an empty stomach may cause your dog to vomit, which can cause severe pain for your pet, especially if surgery was performed on the abdomen.

Start with a Bland Diet

Your dog probably won't feel like eating right away. However, once it is ready to eat, you should start with a bland diet. Instead of offering your dog it's normal food, start out with a diet of chicken and rice. Steam a piece of chicken breast and cut it into small pieces. Add a cup of steamed rice and serve it to your dog. Maintain the bland diet for at least the first day following surgery.

Encourage Sleep

The anesthetic is going to make your dog very tired. It's important that you allow your dog to sleep as much as possible. The sleep will help your dog heal faster. It will also ensure that your dog doesn't get too active and injure the surgical site. For best results, place your dogs bed in a quiet area of the house and keep the noise to a minimum. You might also want to set up a "sick room" in one of the bedrooms. This will ensure that your pet is allowed to rest for as long as it needs.

Know the Warning Signs

Once your dog comes home following surgery, you'll need to look for possible warning signs. These signs will indicate that your dog is in distress and needs immediate medical attention. The warning signs include:

• Excessive seepage at the wound site
• Intense crying or whining
• Non-responsiveness
• Severe or uncontrollable vomiting

If your dog is about to undergo small animal surgery, you should know how to care for it during the recovery period. The information provided here will help you care for your dog after surgery. Be sure to follow the post-operative instructions provided to you by your veterinarian.