BEFORE SURGERY CARE PRINTABLE VERSION

What to do before surgery

For an adult, no food after 11 p.m. the night before surgery, and no food on the morning of surgery.

If they are within 3-6 months of age, they should be given one quarter of their normal amount of the food by5:00 am in the morning of their surgery. Pick up food within 15 minutes of serving and there is no need to pick up food the night before surgery if they are so young.

Housing

Please bring companion animal inside and safe from outdoor elements the night before surgery. This will help control their body temperature.

Flea Prevention

15 days before the procedure/surgery do not apply any over-the-counter products (example: powders, dips, flea collars, topical ointments that you can get from grocery or other stores).

Heartworm Prevention

Regardless of the surgery date, Heartworm prevention should be administered as normal.

New Mothers

When is a good time? Their puppies and kittens should be between 8 and 10 weeks of age and eating (dry food) and drinking on their own prior their mother’s surgery. The mother may not want to nurse after surgery.

Separate the litter and do your best to stop the litter from nursing 15 days before mothers surgery. (Hint: Babies are about 12 – 14 days old when their eyes open.)