We know that preparing for your dog to have surgery can be stressful. So today, our Danbury vets share the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about how to prepare your dog for surgery.
Dog Surgeries & Concerned Dog Parents
Whether your dog is scheduled for a simple spay or neuter procedure or a more complex orthopedic surgery you are bound to be feeling a little stressed and want to be sure you do everything you can to ensure that your dog's operation goes smoothly. That's why we have put together the answers to some of the questions our Danbury vets get asked by worried dog parents leading up to their animal's surgery.
Weeks Before Your Dog's Surgery
Before the day of your dog's surgery, you will have one or more appointments with your vet. At these appointments, your vet will ask you a series of questions to get a good understanding of what health issues or injuries your dog has had in the past, any treatments currently being administered, and any behavioral concerns.
Your vet will also thoroughly examine your dog to ensure that your dog is healthy enough to undergo its scheduled surgery.
If your dog is carrying extra weight your vet may recommend a weight loss program before your dog's surgery. Carrying extra weight increases the risks associated with a general anesthetic could also make it harder for your dog to move around post-surgery and may make recovery longer.
A Few Days Before Your Dog's Surgery
At this point, your vet may recommend bloodwork to check your companion animal's organ function and overall body health. These blood tests can help vets to detect any internal issues that are too subtle to pick up with just a physical examination. These blood tests are an important part of reducing the risks posed by general anesthetics. Other tests that your vet may recommend include radiographs and ultrasounds.
In the week leading up to your dog's surgery, it can be a good idea to have your four-legged friend bathed or groomed so they are clean and ready for surgery day. You will need to keep the incision dry while it heals so you won't be able to get your dog groomed for a while following surgery.
Plan how you will be getting to and from the surgery with your dog. Transporting a large or giant breed dog home from surgery may be challenging. Plan accordingly based on the type of surgery your dog is having and their expected level of mobility following the procedure. Ask your vet for advice if you aren't sure about the best way to get your dog home after their surgery.
Have a quiet place with a comfy bed ready for your dog's return home. If your dog will require crate rest be sure to have an appropriately sized crate ready for when your dog comes home after surgery.
Preparing Your Dog the Night Before Their Surgery
Your vet will provide you with detailed instructions specific to your dog and the surgical procedure that they will be having. That said, in most cases, you will be asked not to allow your dog to eat or drink anything after midnight before their surgery. If your dog takes medications you should speak to your vet about whether to withhold meds until after the procedure.
If your dog will be staying overnight at the vet's following surgery pack up any foods, medications, or other items that the team looking after your animal will need to provide your dog with the best possible care.
In some cases, you may be asked to bring your dog to the veterinary hospital to stay overnight before their surgery.
The Morning of the Surgery
Make sure that your dog does not eat or drink anything in the morning before their surgery. Eating and/or drinking could cause your dog to aspirate while under anesthesia, which is potentially life-threatening.
Your vet will provide you with a time to drop off your dog. Remember that surgery day at your animal hospital is bound to be busy so try to be on time and remain calm and relaxed while you drop off your dog.
Your vet may wish to do further testing before surgery to make sure that your dog does not face any increased anesthetic risks.
Check-in with the staff at reception and make sure that they have the correct number to reach you at so that they can provide you with updates while your four-legged friend is in their care.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding dogs. For an accurate diagnosis of your dog's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
