Bringing your pet home after a spay or neuter surgery at Pet Fix Savannah is a significant step in ensuring their long-term health and well-being. Proper post-operative care is crucial for a smooth recovery and to prevent any complications. These guidelines, provided by the experienced team at Pet Fix Savannah, will help you navigate the recovery process and ensure your furry friend is back to their happy, healthy self in no time.
Essential Post-Operative Instructions for Your Pet’s Recovery
Following these instructions carefully is vital for your pet’s safe and comfortable healing after their procedure at Pet Fix Savannah.
Create a Safe and Clean Indoor Environment
For the next 10 days, it’s imperative to keep your pet indoors. This controlled environment is essential for keeping their incision site clean, dry, and at a comfortable temperature, which are all key factors in preventing infection and promoting healing. If keeping your pet indoors for the entire 10-day period is not possible, ensure they are inside for at least the first critical 48 hours immediately following surgery. When dogs need to go outside for bathroom breaks, they must be walked on a leash to restrict their activity.
Limit Physical Activity
Rest and restricted movement are paramount during the 10-day recovery period. Avoid running, jumping, playing, swimming, or any other strenuous activities that could strain the incision site. Keep your pet as calm as possible. Bathing is also prohibited during this recovery phase. Unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian, do not attempt to clean the incision area yourself using water, hydrogen peroxide, or any other solutions, as this could hinder the natural healing process.
Monitor the Incision Site Regularly
Twice daily, carefully check your pet’s incision site. It’s important to look for any signs of drainage. Some minimal redness and swelling are expected, but should not be excessive. A critical aspect of post-operative care is preventing your pet from licking or chewing at the incision. This can lead to infection or cause the sutures to open prematurely. If you observe your pet licking or chewing, an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) is absolutely necessary. Pet Fix Savannah offers E-collars for purchase and strongly recommends their use if licking or chewing is a concern. Avoid flexible collars that can easily bend and allow access to the incision. If you are unsure about the correct collar size, please consult with the Pet Fix Savannah staff for guidance on proper fit.
Observe Appetite and Behavior
Your pet’s appetite should gradually return within 24 hours after surgery. However, lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting that persists for more than 24 hours post-surgery is not considered normal and warrants a call to Pet Fix Savannah or your regular veterinarian. It is common for dogs to exhibit a slight cough for a few days following surgery, which is usually not a cause for concern.
Maintain a Consistent Diet
Do not make any changes to your pet’s regular diet during this recovery period. Avoid giving them junk food, table scraps, milk, or any other human food, as these can potentially mask post-surgical complications. It’s also best to refrain from offering any treats for the first 24 hours after surgery.
Understanding the Green Tattoo
Your pet will have a small green tattoo located next to their incision. It is essential to understand that this is not an additional incision but a simple skin tattoo indicating that they have been spayed or neutered.
Pain Management After Surgery
At the time of surgery, Pet Fix Savannah administered a 24-hour non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) injection for pain relief. Typically, no further pain medication is needed. However, if a full 24 hours have passed and your pet shows signs of pain, such as restlessness, inability to sit or lie down comfortably, or whimpering, please contact Pet Fix Savannah or your primary veterinarian for a follow-up examination to determine the cause of the pain and appropriate treatment.
Post-Operative Complications and Support from Pet Fix Savannah
Pet Fix Savannah stands behind their surgical procedures. Any post-operative complications that are a direct result of the surgery will be treated at their clinic, either free of charge or at a minimal cost, provided that these post-operative instructions have been followed completely. Illnesses or injuries that are not directly related to the surgery should be addressed by your regular veterinarian. If you have any concerns, please call Pet Fix Savannah to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Please note that Pet Fix Savannah cannot be held responsible for complications arising from failure to adhere to these post-operative instructions or for contagious diseases for which the animal was not properly vaccinated prior to surgery.
Same Day Go Home Instructions
Cats
Upon returning home, place your cat in a warm, dark, and quiet room by themselves for the night. Keep children and other pets away from your cat until the next day. Anesthesia can sometimes temporarily alter a cat’s behavior. If your cat is growling or hissing in their carrier, do not put your fingers inside. This behavior should subside by the following day.
Dogs
Allow your dog to rest when you arrive home. Keep children and other pets away until the following day. When taking your dog outside for bathroom breaks, always use a leash to control their movements.
Feeding Guidelines After Surgery
Water is permissible immediately upon returning home. For feeding on the evening of surgery, offer only ¼ of your pet’s normal food portion. The next morning, give ½ of their usual portion. By the following evening, you can resume their regular feeding schedule. Due to the effects of anesthesia, your pet may not regain their full appetite until the evening after surgery.
If you have any questions or concerns after surgery, including any questions about the incision site, please do not hesitate to contact Pet Fix Savannah during their operating hours.
Contact Information:
Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm: (912) 354-6265
Emergency Contact (After Hours):
Monday-Friday 4pm-11pm and Saturday-Sunday 7am-11pm, and Holidays 7am-11pm: (912) 661-2793
