Post Anesthesia-Surgical Instructions
These are routine post-operative instructions for spay, neuter, or declaw surgeries.
Each pet’s personal instructions will be tailored to the individual pet as indicated.
Diet
- Offer your pet ice cubes to lick the first few hours after you get home, then small amounts of water.
- Give a small amount of food the evening of surgery.
- You may feed your pet’s normal diet, unless otherwise directed.
Activity
- Most incisions take 7-10 days to heal.
- Drowsiness may be noted the day of surgery and the following day.
- Restrict activity if at all possible. No free running or jumping. Use a leash to walk.
Incision and Suture Care
- Prevent excessive licking of the incision.
- Contact the office if sutures are missing or you notice excessive licking.
- Watch the incision for swelling, redness, or drainage. DO NOT apply anything topical unless instructed by the veterinarian.
Medications
- Give oral medications as directed.
- Start medication the evening you take your pet home.
Special Instructions
- No suture removal is needed.
Other Instructions
- Many pets will not have a bowel movement for 1-3 days post anesthesia-surgery.
- Notify the office if you notice any acute illness (repeated vomiting, bleeding, watery diarrhea).
- For declaws, use shredded newspaper or paper towels in the litterbox for 2-4 days.
- Please call us at any time if you have a question or concern regarding your pet. We will do everything possible to insure your pet’s recovery as soon as possible.