Can you put a bandaid on a dog after surgery?

If you’re nursing your dog after a surgery, you want your dog’s 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’s surgical sutures or wound clean is important to their successful healing. 

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’s surgical wound heal as quickly as possible. 

Tips on Helping Your Dog Recover from a Surgical Wound Fast

Once your dog is at home from their surgical procedure, you will be in charge of their healing. 

1. Managing the wound — Follow your veterinary surgeon’s 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’t get into the wound by limiting your pet’s 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.
2. Prevent your dog from licking the wound — Place an Elizabethan collar or E collar on your dog’s 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’t 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.
3. Limit exercise and play — Per your veterinarian’s instructions, exercise should be restricted to a gentle walk 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.
4. Monitor their pain — 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’t 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.
5. Monitor their incision — 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.
6. Keep them occupied — Just because your pet must rest and recover, make them happy with enrichment. 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’t forget to give them plenty of cuddles, too.
7. Keep them calm — Some dogs become anxious when they are forced to limit activity and spend longer periods in their crate. Depending upon your dog’s 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. 

Preventing Infection in Dog Surgical Wounds and Other Complications

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:

• Bleeding
• Pus
• Foul odor
• Inflammation
• Swelling

Let us know if your dog has any of the above issues with the surgical site, so we can address any infection before it becomes worse. You may send us a photo if you’re concerned that the wound may be showing signs of infection. And we can help with pain management and other forms of therapy to help your dog recover quickly from a surgery. 

If you would like more information on helping your dog recover from a surgical wound fast, or would like to schedule an appointment, we are here for you. Simply contact the team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services for assistance in keeping your pet healthy and happy.

Just like humans, a pet’s recovery after surgery can be an uncomfortable experience. Observe the following information to ensure your furry pal recovers as quickly and comfortably as possible.

To ensure full comfort during surgery your pet has been given a general anaesthetic and/or sedative. They have also been given pain relief to aid any soreness after surgery, particularly for sterilisations.

The anaesthetic was administered through an intravenous injection in the front leg (you may notice a clipped area on the foreleg) and/or by gas through a special tube in the windpipe. Occasionally this tube causes some irritation, which results in a mild cough following surgery. This usually clears up within 24 hours. If it continues we ask you to please contact our healthcare team.

My pet seems very sleepy, is this normal?

The general anaesthetic and/or sedative can take a number of hours to wear off and in some cases can cause patients to appear drowsy for a day or so. Over the next couple of days, their behaviour should return to normal. If you are concerned at any time please call your local Greencross Vets team.

Can I feed my pet tonight?

Your pet may feel a bit ‘off colour’ and sometimes eating can cause vomiting. However, if you notice they are up and about in search of food, a small amount may be offered unless indicated otherwise by your veterinarian. Ensure they have plenty of fresh water at all times, particularly if you have been instructed to restrict their food.

How do I care for my pets wound?

During the postoperative period (approximately 10 to 14 days) the wound needs to be kept clean and dry. Check bandages, casts, and sutures daily and don’t bath your pet or let them swim. Also check the wound for excessive swelling, discharge, gaping or self-inflicted damage. If you have any concerns please contact our healthcare team.
If your veterinarian has inserted a drain into the surgery site, you will notice that it may ooze over the next few days. This is normal and has been placed to encourage the movement of fluid away from the surgery site. If a wound or drain looks dirty, only use salty water to clean unless instructed otherwise by your vet.

What should I do if my pet licks or chews the stitches?

If your pet has stitches they may chew or lick them causing harm and in some cases infection. If your pet shows an interest in the wound, we recommend an Elizabethan collar (a bucket-like device that is worn around the neck).
Bitter tasting sprays are also available to apply to the wound to discourage licking. Just consult our healthcare team for the right product for your pet. Please remember you are responsible for your pet’s aftercare. Re-suturing of wounds may incur an additional cost.

Something’s not right, what should I do?

If you have any doubt about the health of your pet following surgery, please contact our hospital immediately to speak to one of our healthcare team. Signs you may see that can indicate problems include:

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