When your dog doesn't seem interested in eating his food, do you know what to do? When your dog vomits often, could there be something serious wrong with him? If he struggles to get up the stairs, does he need to see a vet? Having never owned an older dog, I knew nothing about the things that can begin to go wrong when dogs age. I adopted this guy when my neighbor moved into a nursing home and had to learn a lot about how to care for an older dog. My blog is filled with the many things that I have learned over the last year through the help of my vet.
caring for an elderly dog
Tips For Before And After Pet Surgery
Lucy Grant
A surgery for your pet can be a big deal. It can be a scary experience for a pet to get a surgery because they will not understand what is happening and that the surgery is to help them. It is very important as a pet owner to make sure that you follow certain guidelines before and after the pet's surgery so that the pet can be adequately prepared and feel taken care of as well. The animal hospital and the vet will take care of the actual surgery, but below are some things that you can do before and after surgery to make the whole process go as smoothly as possible.
1. Before Surgery
a. Ask Questions. Knowing what to expect is a big part of the surgical process. If you have any questions about the process, you will want to be sure to ask. How long will the surgery take, how long will recovery take, and what side effects will the pet have? By knowing the answers to these questions, you will be better prepared to take care of the pet after the surgery.
b. Follow Directions. The veterinarian may give you specific instructions to prepare your pet for surgery. You will want to make sure that you follow them accurately. Your pet may need to fast before the surgery, so you will want to make sure that they are not eating. You may need to monitor your pet more closely so that they are not finding food sources while you are not looking.
2. After Surgery
a. Keep a Close Eye on Your Pet. After the surgery, anesthesia may still be wearing off, and your pet may be unsteady and confused. You may need to carry them or help them walk. You will also want to keep an eye out on the area that was operated on. By examining the area you can ensure that your pet is not touching it or that it is not becoming infected.
b. Get into Good Habits. More than likely, you will have to administer medicine on a regular basis until the pet has recovered. You will also need to help your pet eat and drink, as they may have less desire to do so. Your pet should also be a lot less active after the surgery and may need to be put into a crate or other confined area so that they are not trying to run and play when they should be resting.
By following these before and after surgery tips, you can help your pet recover more quickly and be more comfortable throughout the whole process. For more information, talk to a staff member at a professional animal hospital, like University Pet Hospital. The staff member will be able to answer any additional questions you may have.
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