Surgical Patient Discharge Information
Proper post-surgery care is essential to support your pet’s recovery after anaesthesia or sedation. Careful monitoring at home will help reduce complications and promote healing.
Post-Operative Aftercare for Pets
Everything you need to know after your pet comes in for surgery
Rest & Monitoring After Surgery
Your pet should be closely monitored for the first 24 hours after surgery and given plenty of rest. Pets recovering from anaesthesia may have difficulty regulating their body temperature, so we recommend keeping them indoors overnight in a warm, temperature-controlled environment.
It is normal for some pets to experience an occasional cough after anaesthesia. This can occur due to mild irritation from the breathing tube used during surgery and may last 1–2 days.
Exercise Restrictions
To ensure proper healing:
Keep your pet quiet for 10 days following surgery
No running, jumping, rough play, bathing, or swimming
Short, on-lead walks may resume after 3 days
Walking distances can gradually increase after 7 days
Full activity can resume after the 10-day wound check, once cleared by your veterinarian
Feeding After Surgery
Offer a small amount of water when you arrive home
If no vomiting occurs, feed half their normal meal that evening
Resume normal feeding amounts the following day
Suture & Wound Care
Keeping the incision clean and protected is vital:
Keep the wound dry and clean
Do not bathe the area unless advised by your veterinarian
Prevent licking or chewing, as this can cause infection, swelling, or delayed healing
Use an Elizabethan collar (cone) or a bitterant spray such as Wound Gard if needed
Medications
Your pet may receive a long-acting pain relief injection during recovery that lasts 24–36 hours. Any additional medications will be explained to you at discharge, including dosing instructions.
Post-Surgery Recheck Appointment
Please book a post-operative check-up 10 days after surgery, unless advised otherwise by your veterinarian. This allows us to assess wound healing and safely return your pet to normal activity.
When to Contact the Vet Clinic
Please contact us immediately if your pet:
Is not eating within 24 hours after surgery
Remains lethargic for more than 24 hours
Has increased redness, swelling, or discharge at the incision site
Appears painful or uncomfortable
Licks, chews, or removes sutures or drains
Or if you have any concerns at all
Our team is always here to support you and your pet throughout their recovery.
