3 Steps To Help Your Beloved Dog Get Ready For Surgery

Taking care of your pet is important, so if something is wrong and your dog needs surgery, then you probably will do everything you can to ensure it is successful. Here are some steps to help you get your beloved dog ready for vet surgery.

Avoid Feeding Your Dog On The Morning Of The Surgery

Pets should ideally be given anaesthetic on an empty stomach because they will not be able to swallow and may inhale any food or vomit that spews out while they are asleep. This can cause them to suffocate or choke, which will cause a great deal of complications while the vet is undertaking the surgical procedure. You're better off giving them a meal the night before the scheduled surgery. You may be able to give them some water, but check how much is okay with your vet. The quantity may depend on the type of surgical procedure being undertaken. If your dog requires food due to illness or conditions such as diabetes, make sure you follow the exact instructions provided by your vet to minimise the chance of a complication occurring.

Clean Your Dog Before The Surgery

Dogs aren't like humans, so they aren't expected to bathe every day. But you will ideally want to bathe your dog just before the surgery to reduce the chance of bacteria forming on the skin and decrease the risk of any infections developing after the operation. You'll also want to make sure that your dog's coat is completely knot-free to reduce the risk of rashes and skin irritations that can occur after surgery. You should also clean your dog's ears, paws and other areas of the body to reduce any surgical complications.

Make Sure All Vaccinations And Medications Are Safe For Surgery

When preparing for surgery, make sure that your dog has gotten all its vaccinations, and find out if any special ones are required for the surgical procedure. Your vet may recommend taking a few vaccinations before the surgery if required. All vaccinations should be given a few days prior to the surgery to prevent any additional side effects from arising. If your dog is taking any specific medications, find out when you will need to stop them before the surgery. While your dog may need to continue taking a few medicines until the surgery, make sure you follow all instructions given by your vet.

Preparing your dog for surgery can be nerve-wracking. Let these recommended steps guide you in the right direction.