Post-operative care guide · Dog and cat

Your pet is home from surgery

The first days decide how well your pet heals. This guide shows you what to watch, how to manage the wound, rest and medications, and above all: when to call us.

About surgery at the clinic

Safety first

When to call us

Most recoveries go smoothly. But some signs mean you should call without waiting. Contact us if you notice:

Excessive inflammation

Significant redness, swelling, marked warmth, or yellow or green discharge at the wound site.

Strong odor

A strong, foul, or unusual smell coming from the wound may indicate a bacterial infection.

Bleeding

Heavy or recurring bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure applied for a few minutes.

Lethargy or fever

Marked lethargy, shivering, loss of appetite, or unusual behavior: whimpering, unexplained aggression. When in doubt, the clinic can take a temperature.

Refusal to eat or drink

Complete refusal to eat or drink for more than 24 hours after surgery.

Digestive issues

Persistent vomiting or diarrhea after surgery, especially when combined with lethargy.

When in doubt, call without waiting.Better a call for nothing than a complication left to worsen. Outside opening hours: emergency centres.

514 223-1197

Day by day

Recovery milestones

What to expect in the days that follow. Timing varies by procedure; your veterinarian will give you yours.

Day 1

The first day

Your pet may be drowsy, disoriented, or have little appetite; this is normal after anesthesia. Offer a quiet resting place, fresh water, and a small light meal in the evening.

Days 2 to 3

Appetite returns

Your pet begins to regain appetite and energy. Maintain strict rest and check the wound every day. Give the prescribed medications at the indicated times.

Days 5 to 7

Feeling better

Your pet likely feels much better and will want to play. Continue the activity restriction regardless: the wound is healing, but is not yet fully solid.

Days 10 to 14

Check-up and suture removal

Follow-up appointment for suture removal if needed. Your veterinarian will assess healing and give you the green light to gradually resume normal activities.

Daily care

What you do at home

Five simple things, repeated every day, make the difference between an uneventful recovery and an avoidable complication.

The wound

Check the wound every day: it's the best way to catch a complication early.

Follow your veterinarian's instructions

Healing time varies by type of surgery: spay/neuter, orthopedic, etc.
If a bandage is in place, follow the instructions for replacement or removal.
Never remove a bandage yourself without consulting the clinic first.

Check the wound every day

Look for redness, swelling, or discharge: pus, blood.
The wound should stay clean and dry.
A slight pink or clear seepage may be normal in the first days; if in doubt, contact your veterinarian.
Check that sutures remain intact and that the skin edges are not separating.

Wound cleaning (if recommended)

Use the antiseptic solution prescribed by your veterinarian: diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine.
Dab gently with a sterile gauze pad; never use cotton or sponge, which can leave fibers.
Pat dry gently without rubbing.
Sutures are usually removed 10 to 14 days after surgery, unless they are absorbable.

Rest

Rest is what lets the wound heal. It's often the hardest part, and the most important.

Mandatory rest

Avoid jumping, energetic play, and running.
For dogs, limit outings to short bathroom breaks on a leash.
Create a calm, comfortable space where your pet can rest without being disturbed.
Even if your pet seems fully recovered, respect the recommended rest period.

Movement restrictions

For cats: restrict access to elevated areas: shelves, stairs, cat trees.
For dogs: avoid stairs after orthopedic surgery; carry the animal if needed.
Keep your pet indoors, even if they normally go outside.
Use a crate or pen for very active animals who struggle to stay calm.

10 to 14 days of reduced activity is generally recommended, sometimes longer depending on the surgery. After orthopedic procedures, the restriction period may be significantly longer. Your veterinarian will specify the exact duration and the conditions for gradually resuming normal activities.

The e-collar

The e-collar stops your pet from licking or scratching the wound. Worn at all times, including at night, it prevents most complications.

Why it is essential

Prevents licking or scratching of the wound.
Stops the animal from removing their own sutures.
Prevents chewing or pulling off the bandage.
Protects the wound from infections caused by saliva or claws.

Proper fit

The collar must extend beyond the muzzle. Check the fit: 2 to 3 fingers should pass comfortably under the collar without it being tight. Some pets take time to adjust; encourage them with treats and assist with eating and drinking as needed.

Plastic e-collar

The classic transparent or colored cone. Very effective but can be cumbersome. Recommended for animals that actively try to lick their wound.

Inflatable collar

More comfortable, it resembles a neck pillow. Lets the pet eat and drink more easily. Less effective for low abdominal wounds.

Post-op body suit

A fitted garment that covers the surgical area. Ideal for abdominal wounds; allows more mobility. Must fit well to prevent the animal from removing it.

Step-by-step: the Elizabethan collar

Food and hydration

Appetite returns gradually. Take it slow the first days, and always keep fresh water within reach.

To do

On the first day, offer a smaller portion than usual; appetite may be reduced after anesthesia.

Offer easily digestible food, such as wet food.

Gradually return to the normal ration over 2 to 3 days if everything goes well.

If a special diet was prescribed, follow the instructions exactly.

Keep fresh water available at all times and change it regularly.

For cats, a water fountain can encourage drinking.

Follow the prescribed dosage for any supplements: vitamins, probiotics.

To avoid

Do not force your pet to eat if they have no appetite in the first few hours.

Avoid rich treats or sudden dietary changes during recovery.

A pet that does not drink for more than 24 hours after surgery is a warning sign: call the clinic.

Medication and follow-up

Following the prescriptions and the follow-up appointment prevents most complications.

Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, pain relievers

Follow the prescribed dosage and duration carefully, even if your pet seems to be doing well.
Administer medications at regular intervals to maintain a consistent level in the bloodstream.
Never give human medications without veterinary advice; the risk of toxicity is serious.
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next one.
Store medications according to instructions: refrigerator, protected from light, etc.

Follow-up appointment

If suture removal is scheduled, note the date and do not miss it.
Absorbable sutures may not require removal, but a post-op check is still often recommended.
Use this appointment to ask any questions you have for the veterinarian.

Communication with the clinic

If in doubt or if you notice unusual behavior, call your clinic for advice or a follow-up exam.
It is always better to call for nothing than to let a complication worsen.
Keep your veterinarian's number and the emergency clinic number easily accessible.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

My pet doesn't want to eat after surgery. Is that normal?

Yes, this is common on the first day, especially after anesthesia. Offer a small, easily digestible meal, slightly warmed to enhance the smell. If the pet still has not eaten after 24 hours, contact your veterinarian.

My cat keeps trying to remove the e-collar. What can I do?

This is common. Make sure the collar is properly fitted: not too loose, not too tight. You can use treats to help the pet accept it. If the animal is truly distressed, talk to your veterinarian about an alternative: inflatable collar or post-op body suit.

The wound looks slightly red. Is that normal?

Mild redness around the sutures is normal in the first days; it is a natural inflammatory response to surgery. However, if redness spreads, if the area is warm, swollen, or accompanied by discharge, contact the clinic without delay.

My pet is licking the wound despite the e-collar. What should I do?

If your pet can reach the wound despite the collar, it is likely too small or poorly fitted. Contact your veterinarian for a properly sized one, or to try an alternative: post-op body suit, specialized bandage.

Can I bathe my pet during recovery?

No, avoid any contact between the wound and water until fully healed. A full bath should be avoided for at least 10 to 14 days. If your pet gets dirty, clean only areas away from the wound with a damp cloth.

My dog pulls on the leash and strains the wound. What can I do?

Use a harness instead of a collar if the wound is near the neck or chest. For post-surgery walks, keep the leash short and limit outings to the strict minimum. If your dog is very agitated, your veterinarian may prescribe a mild sedative or anxiolytic for the recovery period.

This guide is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute veterinary medical advice and is not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified veterinarian. Every animal is unique and their health must be evaluated individually. If you have concerns about your pet's health, contact our clinic or consult a veterinarian promptly.

Questions about your pet's recovery?

Our team is available to guide you through every step of the post-operative recovery.

Book an appointment 514 223-1197