Before Surgery
· You will not be able to bathe your pet for two weeks after surgery, so now is your last chance!
· Your pet may have a small, soft meal no later than 6 am on the morning of surgery.
· If your pet is not microchipped, consider having this done during the neuter surgery.
The morning of the surgery
· Dogs: Take your pet for a potty walk to give them a chance for a bowel movement
· Drop off no later than 7:15am
Recovery and Aftercare
Food and Water
You will be instructed to feed about a ¼ to ½ of your pet’s normal dinner at 8:00 pm on the evening of surgery.
Limit excessive water intake. Your pet may resume their normal diet the morning after surgery.
Eliminations
Your pet may not have a bowel movement for 24 to 36 hours after surgery; this is a normal as certain anesthetic and pain medications slow down gastric motility.
Medications
If medications are prescribed, follow instructions carefully and note whether they should be given on the night of surgery or not until the morning after.
Exercise and Activity
· Gradually return your pet to normal activity
· Short walks are fine
· Restrict jumping and running for 5 days
The Cone of Shame
As your pet’s incision heals, it becomes itchy. Pets that don’t show initial interest in the area may still attempt to lick later. Be diligent about the E.Collar especially when you are not directly supervising your pet.
Monitor For:
· loss of appetite for over two days
· weakness or lethargy
· vomiting/diarrhea
· Puffiness, oozing or opening of the incision site