After Surgery Care- Special Pals Animal Adoption Center

Please read these instructions carefully

Your companion animal must be kept indoors for a few days after surgery. This will help you to monitor his/her recovery and will help prevent complications and possible death from outdoor elements and temperatures. Quiet rooms and avoiding contact with other pets or children during the recovery process is recommended.

They may have one or two ice cubes the first 3 hours after surgery, as stomach upset may occur after anesthesia is used. You can gradually increase water and food during the next 24 hours. After surgery, expect your companion animal to behave more tranquilly. Your companion animal has undergone anesthesia and a surgical procedure, so he/she will be sore and may not be immediately hungry.

First week care

Restrict your animal’s activity by not letting them run or jump.

Monitor the incision area daily. If the animal was neutered, also check under the tail for bleeding or excessive swelling that may happen with an older adult. Do not allow your animal to lick/chew the incision area. E-collars can be used to prevent them from licking. You can purchase an E-collar at your local pet store.

During the first 7 days, please do not allow your companion animal to get wet: this means no bathing or any use of over-the-counter chemical flea care products. You may use Advantage or Frontline if needed.

Gently clean the incision area with a cotton ball and luke-warm water if the incision becomes dirty.

The sutures Special Pals uses are dissolvable and should not require removal. Male cat neuters do not require the use of sutures, so we advise using shredded newspaper instead of litter in your cat’s litter box for about a week after surgery. This prevents dust particles from irritating the incisions.

NO ASPIRIN OR TYLENOL SHOULD BE GIVEN TO YOUR COMPANION ANIMAL FOR PAIN RELIEF UNLESS PRESCRIBED BY A VETERINARIAN. TYLENOL IS TOXIC AND ASPIRIN CAN BE DEADLY AFTER SURGERY FOR ANIMAL.

Your companion animal was given pain medication at the time of surgery. Additional pain medication will be prescribed if this was a complicated surgery. This will be at the veterinarian’s sole discretion.

Just in case you ever need an Emergency Clinic: