The vet may keep your dog overnight if she still seems loopy from the sedatives she was given, or if she cannot walk on her own.
A friend can also hold doors open and assist you in getting your dog into and out of the car.
Writing your questions down and going throughout them one by one with your vet may help you to feel more prepared to take care of your dog.
You should also resist inviting people over to come and visit your dog. While she will of course be pleased to see these people, having them there will also make her want to get up and move around while she should be resting.
If anything happens that concerns you during this first 24 hour period then always phone your vet for advice. If you have no choice but to leave the house, consider getting a trusted pet sitter and walking her through this information.
Consider a small portion of cooked chicken breast, rabbit, cod, or turkey along with a little white rice or pasta. Alternatively, you could get food that is designed for a dog experiencing nausea.
Refer to the section on helping a dog in pain to find out what signs to look for.
Some clinics do not use Primapore anymore, as removing it can irritate the dog’s skin.
Pick a collar that fits your dog. The narrow end of the collar sits around the dog’s neck and is held in place with her regular collar. The wider end of the cone should project two to three inches (5–7. 5 cm) beyond her nose, so the collar is between her and the wound. Alternatively, you can get the dog an inflatable neck brace, to prevent the dog from turning her head. These look a lot like life-saver inflatable rings and are fitted to the diameter of your dog’s neck.
Pull the t-shirt over your dog’s head and put her two front legs into each sleeve of the shirt. Pull the shirt down so that it covers the incision, and tie it up so she can walk around. If the shirt is long enough, you could also cut two holes in the bottom that you can put your dog’s back legs through. If the T-shirt becomes soiled, replace it with a clean one.
Likewise, pus is usually a sign of a superficial infection at or just beneath the skin, rather than an infection tracking out of the abdomen. However, your dog may need antibiotics to settle the infection so that it doesn’t delay the healing of the wound.
Create a saltwater solution (a teaspoon (5 mL) of salt mixed into a pint (0. 5 L) of water that has been boiled, then cooled to a skin-safe temperature). Dip cotton balls into the solution, and then gently dab them over the wound to remove any dirt or grime from the incision.
If you own a large dog who likes to sleep with you, do not let her walk up the stairs to get to your bed. If you are concerned about your dog’s health, you can sleep downstairs on the sofa beside her.
Three to four days after her surgery, you can consider taking your dog for a walk. Try to keep the walk to five minutes in length, and walk on flat ground.
If you are concerned that you cannot keep your other dogs under control, consider asking a friend to watch those dogs until your recovering dog’s stitches have been removed.
Keep in mind that some dogs are more sensitive and will feel more pain than others. The average length of time that pain relief is required is generally four to five days, but your dog may need more or less time. Do not use any unprescribed painkillers without veterinary advice.
Restlessness: Pacing, inability to settle, and sitting down and then standing again, can all be signs of discomfort. Vocalization: Whining and crying. This is sometimes an attempt to get attention rather than a sign of pain. Try to avoid fussing over the dog when she cries; if she learns that you will not reward her, but continues to whine, she is probably in pain. Body Posture: A dog in pain often wears a “miserable” expression with tipped down ears, doleful eyes and a lowered head. Her body is often hunched and she may not be able to lie in her favorite position. Behavior : Some dogs change behavior when in pain, of which one example is becoming snappy or aggressive. Other dogs withdraw, as if trying to hide away from the pain. Not eating or drinking: Some dogs (especially Labradors) eat no matter what, but others go off their food if uncomfortable.
Not eating or drinking after 48 hours: Your dog should be eating by now and could be in pain if she is not. Don’t wait the extra day before seeking advice. A discharge from the wound: A healing wound is usually dry. If there is a discharge, especially blood or pus, seek advice. Sickness or diarrhea : Sometimes the anesthetic agents can cause tummy upsets in sensitive animals, however, in a pet that has had recent surgery, bring her to the vet if you see that she is nauseous. Weakness, lethargy, or a swollen tummy: If your dog seems weak and is not recovering her energy, or if her figure changes and her tummy looks swollen, seek immediate vet advice.
