How to Prepare Your Pet for Spay or Neuter Surgery | Acorn Pet Products
Although spay and neuter surgery is a common procedure, it can still be nerve-wracking for you and your pet! We know it’s stressful anytime your furry friend undergoes a medical procedure but taking the time to plan ahead can ensure that their recovery is as comfortable as possible. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare your pet for spay or neuter surgery:
You’ll want to monitor your pet closely during the days leading up to surgery to be aware of any potential illness or medical issues on the horizon.
Know the Pre-Surgery Instructions:
When you plan your pet’s spay or neuter surgery, you will be informed of pre-op instructions. Usually, you will be required to withhold food and water from your pet for a certain period leading up to their surgery. This might mean altering your feeding schedule the day before surgery! You’ll also want to monitor your pet closely during the days leading up to surgery to be aware of any potential illness or medical issues on the horizon. If you suspect your pet is feeling under the weather, it is best to postpone surgery entirely. Be sure to ask your vet if you have any questions or concerns!
Postpone the Grooming Appointment:
If your pet is on a regular grooming schedule, you’ll want to be sure it doesn’t interfere with their recovery time. Your pet won’t be able to bathe for a while following their spay or neuter surgery and grooming could be difficult or uncomfortable near their incision site. Your vet will shave your pet as necessary to keep hair and bacteria from entering your pet’s surgical site.
Create the Perfect Recovery Space:
Following your pet’s spay or neuter surgery, your vet will likely send you home with some post-op instructions. It is important to limit your pet’s activity as they recover. Although some pet parents prefer not to crate their pets regularly, the crate can be a valuable sanctuary for your pet during their recovery! Most pets will be somewhat lethargic or groggy for the first 24 hours following their surgery. During this time, it will be comforting for them to have a den-like place of their own to recuperate. A crate is also helpful in restricting your pet’s access to stairs or furniture as they heal. As an alternative to the crate, some owners choose to create a recovery area in their homes by using baby gates and fences.
Stock Up on Post-Op Essentials from Acorn Pet Products:
To make your pet’s recovery as comfortable as possible, you’ll want to have a few extra things on hand. A plastic e-collar, also known as the ‘cone of shame,’ is a common necessity for post-op recovery. However, they can be rigid and uncomfortable! Today, there are some awesome alternatives to the traditional e-collar that provide protection without compromising your pet’s comfort! Most dogs and cats are avidly anti-collar, so you might need to do some coaxing to get them into their protective cat or dog e collar. Acorn Pet Products offers savory calming chews contain a gentle blend of L-Tryptophan, Thiamine, and Chamomile. They’re the perfect positive-reinforcement reward for putting on a cone after surgery. It is also a good idea to get a topical cream to help keep their incision site clean and comfortable.
Find the Best E-Collar for Your Pet:
A soft E collar is more accommodating to your pet’s natural movements while still allowing them to eat and drink. An inflatable E collar is less restrictive and can provide more comfort and mobility for your pet without impeding their vision. Even in cases where a traditional plastic collar is the best choice for protecting the incision site, comfort is still a consideration!
Bottom line? We know it is hard to see your beloved pet in pain. With a little bit of preparation, you can make your pet’s spay and neuter surgery recovery a time of bonding and comfort! Your pet deserves the best. When you choose a product from Acorn Pets, you can rest easy knowing the best is exactly what they’re getting.