Patient Information
Post-Operative Care
Your pet has just undergone surgery — now it’s time for the healing to begin. Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth healing and recovery.
Activity
- Avoid running, jumping, rough play, or off-leash walks during the 10-14 day recovery period. Keep your pet quiet; short leashed walks are fine.
- The more active the pet is during this timeframe, the higher the chance of swelling and trauma to the surgical site.
- If you are struggling to keep your pet calm during the post-op period, contact the clinic as we may have sedation options to ensure a safe and smooth recovery.
Incision Care
- Check the incision twice daily for redness, swelling, discharge, or opening.
- Do NOT allow your pet to lick or chew at the incision — we have e-collars and post operative recovery suits (onesies) available.
- Do NOT apply anything topical to the incision including: creams, ointments, or hydrogen peroxide unless directed by a veterinarian.
Food & Water
- Offer a small meal and water the evening after surgery. Some pets may have a reduced appetite for 24 hours. Normal eating habits should resume shortly after surgery.
- Please monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, or complete loss of appetite.
Medications
- Give all prescribed medications exactly as directed; do NOT give additional doses or give medication earlier than directed.
- Never give human medications unless specifically advised by a veterinarian.
- If you have questions about the medication prescribed, please contact the clinic.
Bathing & Grooming
- Avoid bathing/grooming for 10-14 days after surgery.
- Do not allow swimming until the incision is fully healed.
Surgery Related Medical Concerns
We offer surgical recheck appointments during regular business hours for any surgery related concern. Please contact us immediately if you notice:
- Excessive swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or discharge from the incision
- Lethargy, collapse, pale gums, or difficulty breathing
- Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or anorexia
We will schedule a recheck appointment as soon as possible during available clinic hours to assess the concern and ensure proper healing.
If Your Pet Has a Medical Emergency Outside Regular Clinic Hours
For urgent concerns that cannot wait until our next business day, we recommend contacting VetWise – a trusted veterinary telemedicine service available 24 hours a day. You can reach VetWise when our clinic is closed by calling 647-695-5411. This service provides you with direct access to veterinary professionals outside our clinic hours. Please note that while there is no charge for your initial triage, fees for a consultation through VetWise will be your responsibility as your pet’s owner.
