If your dog needs surgery, you are likely the nervous one. If you have had your dog for a while, your pooch is an extended part of your family. You don’t want to see them hurt and want to keep them as comfortable as possible.

Whether it is a routine surgery, like getting them spayed or neutered, or a more complex procedure, you want to do whatever you can to improve the chances of your dog’s surgery’s success. Thankful, with a bit of education, you can do things to keep your furry friend as comfortable as possible.

Seven Days Before the Surgery

It would be best if you prepared for your dog’s surgery at least one week in advance. Ensure that your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date. Talk to your veterinarian to ensure your dog has any necessary vaccinations for their specific surgery. Some standard pre-surgery vaccinations include rabies, distemper, parvo, and Bordetella. If your pet does not have some of the required vaccinations, they must be administered five days before surgery. This will ensure that your puppy has the proper protection.

Unlike humans, dogs don’t understand they have had a surgical procedure done, nor do they comprehend the limitations required during the healing process. It is going to be up to you to provide your pet with a safe, comfortable, and clean place to recover. Also, you may want them to take time off work, especially on the day of the surgery, to care for your pup after the procedure.

Pet care, and especially pet surgeries, can be expensive. You may not be able to afford the expense out-of-pocket. However, purchasing dog insurance in advance may be a good idea. That way, when an emergency arises, it won’t hit your pocketbook so forcefully.

24 Hours Before the Surgery

During your pre-surgery consultation with the veterinarian, ask them if your dog will require any medication in preparation for the surgery, and verify if you should continue giving your dog its current medicines. In some cases, your dog must keep taking its medication. In other cases, it is more important that they don’t have anything in their system during surgery.

You want to give your dog a bath and a good trim before the surgery. If their nails need to be trimmed or their ears need to be cleaned, do that as well. This is because you may not be able to groom your dog for multiple days after surgery.

If it is hard for you to groom your dog because they are hyperactive, talk to the veterinarian about taking advantage of the fact that your dog will be under anesthesia to provide grooming services.

Don’t take your dog out for any strenuous walks before surgery because this could cause your dog to have sore muscles on the day of surgery. You don’t want them to have any additional discomfort.

If your dog needs to spend the night at the veterinarian’s office and if they have a special diet, make sure you bring the right foot long so your pet can eat post-surgery.

Clean your pet’s bedding to ensure that when they come home, they have a clean space to sleep, reducing the chance of infection. Your dog is going to need an enclosed space that limits its movement. A comfortable crate could be the perfect space for your pet to recover.

Make the Surgical Experience as Comfortable as Possible for Your Pet

You might be anxious about your pet’s recovery. However, the more you prepare, the smoother the procedure will go. Once you bring your pet home after the surgery, follow all instructions your vet gives you.