How To Care for Your Dog After Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic surgery can be a daunting experience for pets and their owners, but it’s an important medical intervention designed to improve your dog’s quality of life. After such a procedure, your dog will require special care and attention to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.

This recovery phase can span several weeks or even months, depending on the nature of the surgery and your dog’s overall health. As a pet owner, you must learn how to care for your dog after orthopedic surgery. Explore the basics below, including medication schedules, diet modifications, and activity restrictions.

Set Up a Comfortable Space

Provide a quiet, comfortable, and easily accessible space for your dog. This space should limit your pet’s movement to prevent undue stress on their healing joints. Use a soft bed to support their body and alleviate pressure on the surgical site. Ensure this area is away from high-traffic zones in your home so that it offers a peaceful environment. Finally, make food and water bowls readily accessible to prevent unnecessary movement that could potentially compromise healing.

Schedule Rehabilitation and Controlled Activity

Rehabilitation is an integral part of your dog’s recovery. Following the initial rest period, your veterinarian may recommend gentle exercises or physiotherapy to restore mobility and rebuild strength. Activities could include brief, controlled walks, simple stretching exercises, or hydrotherapy. It’s crucial to adhere to the plan that your vet provides to avoid reinjury and ensure your dog’s smooth transition back to normal activity levels.

Manage Pain and Medications

Pain management is critical to caring for your dog after orthopedic surgery. Your veterinarian will prescribe pain medications, anti-inflammatories, or antibiotics. Administer these precisely as instructed and monitor your dog for any adverse reactions. Signs of pain can include whimpering, reluctance to move, or unusual aggression. Never give human medications to your dog, as they can be harmful or even fatal.

Monitor for Complications

Even with the best care, complications can arise after orthopedic surgery. Watch for excessive swelling, redness, or discharge from the surgical site, which could indicate infection. Notify your veterinarian if you observe any concerning symptoms or changes in your dog’s behavior. Regular follow-up visits are essential to assess healing progress and promptly address potential issues. These check-ups also allow your veterinarian to remove stitches and adjust medications or therapies.

Be Patient and Supportive

Throughout the recovery process, your patience and support are invaluable to your dog’s mental and emotional well-being. Offer plenty of gentle affection and encouragement, helping to alleviate any anxiety or discomfort they may feel. Recovery is a gradual process requiring time, dedication, and understanding to get your dog back to its normal life.

By providing a supportive environment, rigorously adhering to medication and rehabilitation schedules, and monitoring for potential complications, you lay the foundation for successful healing. Moreover, choosing the right clinic for vet orthopedic surgery for your dog is a significant decision. A quality clinic can drastically improve your dog’s quality of life, restoring mobility and alleviating pain as best as possible. Reach out to the Animal Medical Center today to find the best care—both before and after orthopedic surgery—for your furry family member.