Post-Surgical Care and Information

Please follow these instructions carefully.

We are not responsible for complications resulting from failure to follow post-operative instructions.

The evening you bring your pet home from surgery, offer half of their normal amount of food and water upon arrival. So long as no problems occur, they can resume eating normal-sized meals the next morning.

Any lethargy, refusal to eat, diarrhea, or vomiting beyond 24 hours is not normal.

Contact us should you notice any of these symptoms. During this time it is important to not change your pet’s diet. Avoid feeding them any table scraps or food not intended for pets, as these can mask post-surgical complications.

All dogs will go home with prescription pain medication. Be sure to follow all instructions outlined on the container. Be careful not to over-administer medication.

Cats receive a long lasting, 24-hour pain injection, but we do recommend purchasing additional medications. Our team can assist with any additional needs at check out.

Your pet has undergone major surgery. Be sure to keep him/her quiet and in an indoor area for the next 12 hours. Keep your pet calm, warm, and comfortable.

Do not allow your pet to run, jump, play, swim, or bathe for the next 10 to 14 days. Dogs should receive short, leashed walks only. All pets should be kept warm, clean, and dry. Avoid any strenuous activities.

Keep males and females apart.

If your pet was in heat at the time of surgery, keep all male pets away for a minimum of 2 weeks. If a male pet was to try and mate with the recovering female it could be life-threatening to the female. If you had a male pet neutered they can still get an un-spayed female pregnant up to 45 days after their surgery. Keep all pets in heat away from the male.

Be sure to check your pet’s area of incision twice daily to ensure that it is healing. Redness and swelling near the incision should be minimal. We recommend that every pet wear an E-Collar to prevent licking and chewing. We carry E-Collars for purchase.

You’ll notice that your pet received a small green tattoo near their incision. The tattoo lets other veterinarians know that they have been fixed, should your pet get lost.

Also, the sutures your pet received are absorbable, unless otherwise stated by your technician at pick-up. Do NOT administer any human products, herbs, or supplements by mouth, or apply ointments/sprays of any kind to the incision.

After Your Spay / Neuter Visit

Please follow these instructions carefully.

We are not responsible for complications resulting from failure to follow post-operative instructions.

Any lethargy, refusal to eat, diarrhea, or vomiting beyond 24 hours is not normal.

Keep males and females apart.

Please call us at 630-961-8000 if you have questions or concerns related to surgery during the recovery period.