It can be unsettling when you are told that your pet is due for surgery. However, having detailed information about the surgery can go a long way in calming your nerves. Plus, participating in pet preparation can help make the process less scary.
Is your pet due for surgery? Unsure of your role in the whole process? Amelia Pointe Animal Hospital & Daycare in Fernandina Beach, FL, shares what you need to do before and after pet surgery.
What to Do Before the Surgery
When you find out that surgery is the best course of action for your pet, you must find out all the necessary information about the surgery from your veterinarian. Inquire about what the surgery involves and the potential risks. Also, be sure you are informed about the post-recovery period.
Here is what you need to do before pet surgery:
- Bathing: Depending on the surgery, your pet may not bathe for several days after the surgery. With this in mind, you should bathe your pet prior to the surgery.
- Current vaccinations: Keep your pet vaccinations up to date to ensure that your pet doesn’t transmit or contract infections.
- Don’t feed your pet: While you are not performing the actual surgery, you have a role to play as a pet parent to make the procedure successful. Since most surgeries require general anesthesia, you will be advised not to feed your pet for at least 12 to 24 hours leading to the surgery. Anesthesia works best on an empty stomach. How? Anesthesia decreases the swallowing reflex, and your pet is likely to vomit after the procedure.
- Medication: If your pet is under any medication, please consult with your vet to determine whether you should continue with the medicine.
- Arrive early: During the day of the surgery, your vet will probably ask you to arrive early, regardless of the time of the surgery. Your animal doctor will have to run several tests, including blood work, X-rays, and physical examinations. The vet may use the medical results to determine the amount of anesthesia adequate for your pet. Ultimately, there are numerous things to be done before the surgery, so arriving early is recommended. Plus, this could be an ideal opportunity to spend time with your pet before the surgery.
Once it’s time for surgery, you can be sure that your pet is in safe hands. Please leave your contact information with us so that we can contact you to pick up your pet when the surgery is done.
After Surgery
You also have a role to play after the surgery. Give your pet the prescribed medication for a swift recovery. Also, ensure that your pet has a comfortable, warm room away from other pets and children. Ensure that your pet doesn’t lick the stitches and observe any unusual symptoms.
Learn More about Pet Surgery
Would you like more information about pet surgery? Is your pet due for surgery in Fernandina Beach, FL? If yes, you can always count on Amelia Pointe Animal Hospital & Daycare for all pet care services. Call us today at (904) 310-9990 to learn more.