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Post-Visit Care

INSTRUCTIONS & FAQs

Begin pain medication on the night of surgery.

Activity:

1. Restrict activity for 7-10 days for proper healing
2. Cats should be kept indoors
3. Dogs should be leash walked to urinate or defecate 

Separation:

1. Keep males away from unspayed females for 30 days
2. Keep females away from unneutered males for 7 days
3. Plan to keep pets separate during the recovery period.

Start slow tonight with food and water.

Small amounts first then in a couple of hours you can offer some more food and water. Keep your pet on their regular diet, do not change food or offer treats.

Image by Jack Brind
Female Dog or Cat:
Check the incision site each day. No drainage, lumps or bumps.
 
Male Dogs:
The incision is left open for drainage.
A small amount of light-colored discharge is normal. Bleeding is not.   
​
Cats:
It’s best to place your cat in a small room, laundry or bathroom. Open carrier door and let them come out on their own. 
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Image by Alexander Possingham

Keep your pet calm and restrict activity.

No long walks. No baths or water play. No jumping on furniture.

Appetite

  • Appetite should return within 24hrs.
  • Always keep water available.
  • You may offer a small portion on the night of surgery if your pet wants to eat.
  • Do not change your pet’s diet at this time.
  • No treats, milk, or table scraps.

Pain Medication

  • We like for the pet to have some water first, but they will feel better if you give this medicine tonight. It is for pain and inflammation. Instructions are on the RX label. Give once a day.

Incision Site:

  • Do not allow patient to lick or chew at the incision.
  • Female cats will receive a small green ink line on the abdomen while under anesthesia for future reference to indicate the cat has been spayed. 
  • Check the incision site twice daily.
  • Keep the incision site dry.
  • Do not bathe or apply topical ointment during the recovery period.
  •  If you purchased an e-collar: Your pet should wear it for the next 7-10 days when unsupervised.*

*You can give your pet a break from wearing their collar to eat or for potty breaks.

Contact us if you notice:

Persistent swelling, lethargy, pale gums, depression, unsteady gait, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding or discharge from incision, difficulty urinating or defecating, or labored breathing.

336-570-6767

After office hours,
please call the local emergency hospital
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