{"id":3628,"date":"2021-03-31T23:57:57","date_gmt":"2021-04-01T03:57:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ovrs.com\/blog\/?p=3628"},"modified":"2021-04-14T15:21:04","modified_gmt":"2021-04-14T19:21:04","slug":"dog-recover-from-a-surgical-wound-fast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ovrs.com\/blog\/dog-recover-from-a-surgical-wound-fast\/","title":{"rendered":"Help Your Dog Recover From a Surgical Wound Fast"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Dog<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re nursing your dog after a surgery, you want your dog\u2019s surgical wound to heal quickly and cleanly. Most dogs experience injuries, accidents, and conditions that require surgery at some point in their life. Because of this, you as a pet owner are put into the role of nurse as your dog recovers from surgery at home. Keeping your pet\u2019s surgical sutures or wound clean is important to their successful healing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The team at OVRS is here with tips so that you can help your dog recover from a surgical wound fast. The proper care will help your dog\u2019s surgical wound heal as quickly as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Tips on Helping Your Dog Recover from a Surgical Wound Fast<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once your dog is at home from their surgical procedure, you will be in charge of their healing<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Managing the wound <\/strong>\u2014 Follow your veterinary surgeon\u2019s advice on keeping the surgical site clean and dry. Never put ointment or antibacterial sprays on the sutures or cover the site with bandages or anything else. The area needs enough circulation and contact with oxygen in order to heal properly. Make sure fur, debris, dirt, or other things don\u2019t get into the wound by limiting your pet\u2019s outdoor time or lightly covering the wound just for the purpose of going outdoors. Once you return, remove the covering. And avoid bathing your dog during recovery.<\/li>
  2. Prevent your dog from licking the wound <\/strong>\u2014 Place an Elizabethan collar or E collar on your dog\u2019s neck to keep them from licking or chewing the injury. You can choose from a variety of styles, from the soft donut collar to the standard plastic E collar. Just ensure that it fits properly. And don\u2019t remove the collar too soon because you feel sorry for your dog. The collar is for their own good. Removing the collar too soon can lead to licking and chewing at the wound site which leads to infection.<\/li>
  3. Limit exercise and play <\/strong>\u2014 Per your veterinarian\u2019s instructions, exercise should be restricted to a gentle walk<\/a> to the yard, so your pet can relieve him or herself. After a week or so, you can let your dog go on short walks. Avoid any rambunctious activities that would cause your dog to jump or run for the first few weeks. Use of a crate or kennel helps limit activity.<\/li>
  4. Monitor their pain <\/strong>\u2014 Your dog should have been prescribed medications after the surgery, depending on the type of surgery. Some of these help manage any postoperative pain. Give your pet their medications following the instructions. Don\u2019t discontinue any drugs unless given the okay from your surgeon or veterinarian. If your dog acts like they are uncomfortable or in pain, call us right away.<\/li>
  5. Monitor their incision <\/strong>\u2014 Watch for any signs of infection (see the signs of infection in the next section). We recommend checking the incision site twice per day, especially at first.<\/li>
  6. Keep them occupied <\/strong>\u2014 Just because your pet must rest and recover, make them happy with enrichment<\/a>. Give them treat dispensing puzzles, chew toys, and other fun things. Cats love to look out at birds in the yard, so make sure they have a window view. Don\u2019t forget to give them plenty of cuddles, too.<\/li>
  7. Keep them calm <\/strong>\u2014 Some dogs become anxious when they are forced to limit activity and spend longer periods in their crate. Depending upon your dog\u2019s temperament, you can either remove them to a darker, quieter space with fewer distractions and temptations to interact, or help distract\/soothe them with the TV, white noise or soothing music. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Preventing Infection in Dog Surgical Wounds and Other Complications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Sometimes, surgical wounds become infected. This can lead to a significant setback in their recovery and other complications. Be on the lookout for signs of infection, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n