Surgery can be a stressful experience for pets and their owners. Whether the procedure is routine, such as spaying or neutering, or a more complex operation, knowing what to expect during your pet’s recovery period can help you provide them with the best care. Our Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center team will walk you through the typical post-surgery process, from immediate aftercare to long-term recovery, ensuring your pet returns to their happy, healthy self as smoothly as possible.

Immediate post-surgery care for your pet

Immediately after your pet’s surgery, they recover with their veterinary care team monitoring their vital signs, comfort, and overall health status. Once your pet is released and able to go home, expect the following changes in their behavior and habits.

Anesthetic recovery for your pet

After surgery, your pet recovers from anesthesia in the hospital. This period can vary from a few hours to overnight, depending on the surgery’s complexity and your pet’s overall health. During this time, our veterinary team monitors your pet for any immediate postoperative complications.

If you see your pet shortly after surgery, you will likely notice that they appear groggy or disoriented, which can last for several hours during anesthetic recovery. Nausea and shivering are common in pets who undergo anesthesia, as anesthetic and pain management drugs can cause nausea, hypothermia, and other side effects. In most cases, pets are not released into their owner’s care until they are fully recovered from anesthesia.

Pain management for your pet

Pain management is crucial to your pet’s recovery, so follow dosage instructions carefully and watch for discomfort signs, such as whining, panting, restlessness, or adverse reactions. Keep in mind that pets are normally quiet or sleepy while on pain medication, and they may also develop adverse gastrointestinal (GI) issues, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. If your pet seems painful or experiences side effects from the medication, contact your primary care veterinarian or our team.

Post-surgery home care for your pet

Once your pet returns home after surgery, you will take over their nursing care. Your pet is depending on you to help them on the road to recovery.

Rest and restricted activity for your pet during post-surgery recovery

Your pet needs plenty of rest to recover. Restrict their activity to prevent strain on the surgical site, which, if disturbed, could lead to complications or delayed healing.

Expect your pet to be lethargic and sleep more than usual as they recover. Set up a quiet, comfortable area so they can rest unbothered and block access to stairs and furniture to prevent them from climbing or jumping. Take your dog outside on a leash to limit their activity, and move your cat’s resources, such as their litter box, food, water, and bed, close to their recovery area so they do not have to walk a distance.

Monitor your pet’s incision site 

Proper care incision site care is critical to prevent infections or other complications. Our veterinarian will provide specific instructions on how to care for the surgical wound. You should keep the incision site clean and dry, and prevent your pet from licking, chewing, or scratching the wound. An Elizabethan collar or surgical suit may be needed to prevent your pet from reaching their incision.

Check the incision daily for infection signs such as inflammation, swelling, or discharge. The site may initially be swollen or red, but these issues should improve over time. Some bruising or minor seepage can also be normal, but excessive bleeding, severe swelling, or escalating bruising can be problematic. 

When to seek help during your pet’s post-surgical recovery period

Keep a log of your pet’s behavior, appetite, and medication schedule to provide detailed information to your primary care veterinarian or our team if your pet has complications. While most pets recover without issues, be aware of signs that warrant immediate veterinary attention such as:

  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
  • Not eating or drinking
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Severe pain not alleviated by medication
  • Incision site infection signs
  • Lethargy or weakness beyond the expected post-surgery period

Caring for your pet after surgery requires diligence and patience, but by following our instructions and monitoring your pet closely, you can help ensure a smooth and successful recovery. With your support, your pet will be back to their playful self in no time. If you encounter problems during your pet’s post-surgery recovery period, contact your primary care veterinarian or our Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center team for help.