Post-Operative Care
What to expect after surgery, from anesthesia recovery and incision monitoring to appetite changes — and when to contact us during healing.
Activity Restriction & Rest
After surgery, strict activity restriction is essential for safe healing. Even when pets appear to be feeling better quickly, internal healing takes time. Pets should not run, jump, use stairs, rough play, or be off leash until cleared by your veterinarian. Early over-activity is one of the most common causes of post-surgical complications.
To help pets tolerate this decrease in activity, we often send home additional medications designed to reduce anxiety, restlessness, and over-arousal during recovery. These are frequently the same medications many pets receive prior to surgery drop-off. Their purpose is to help pets remain calm and comfortable while their bodies heal. Using these medications is preventive and supportive, not a sign that something is wrong.
Anesthesia Recovery: What to Expect in the First 24 Hours
Recovery from anesthesia is a full 24-hour process. During this time, it is normal for pets to be more sleepy, quieter than usual, or slightly uncoordinated. Some pets may whine, pace, or seem restless as anesthesia and pain medications wear off, while others may sleep more deeply than normal.
Appetite may be decreased the evening of surgery, and mild nausea can occur. Most pets should show gradual improvement by the next day. If severe lethargy, collapse, repeated vomiting, or disorientation occurs, please contact us promptly.
Incision Monitoring & Wound Care
Surgical incisions should be checked daily. Mild bruising, swelling, or firmness around the incision can be normal in the early healing period. The incision should remain closed, dry, and relatively clean. Any increasing redness, discharge, bleeding, heat, opening of the incision, or persistent licking should be addressed promptly.
If you are ever unsure about how a surgical site looks, we strongly encourage you to send clear photos to [email protected] for review rather than guessing.
Pain Control & Medications
Pain management is an important part of recovery. Medications should be given exactly as prescribed and on schedule unless otherwise directed. Pain may present as quiet behavior, restlessness, panting, or decreased appetite rather than obvious crying.
Do not stop medications early or add over-the-counter products unless specifically approved, as many human medications are unsafe for pets.
For pets where rest is a crucial part of recovery, mild sedation medication is routinely sent home to use on an as-needed basis. We encourage you to use this medication if needed, or discuss it further with your veterinarian as part of the post-operative care plan.
Appetite, Vomiting & Diarrhea
It is common for pets to have a decreased appetite after surgery. Skipping one meal the first night home can be normal, with appetite gradually improving over the next 24–48 hours.
Mild vomiting or diarrhea can occur as a response to anesthesia, pain medications, or antibiotics. A bland diet is often helpful post-operatively, even when not strictly required, as it supports digestion during recovery. Diarrhea that persists beyond 24 hours after surgery, worsens, or is accompanied by lethargy should prompt a call or visit for evaluation. You can find our bland diet recipe in the library!
Bathroom Habits & Constipation
Some anesthetic and pain medications can cause temporary constipation. Reduced activity and fasting before surgery can also delay bowel movements. If your pet is comfortable and not straining, it is typically safe to wait and monitor.
If your pet appears uncomfortable, strains to defecate, or goes an extended period without a bowel movement, please contact us for guidance.
Sleep & Behavior Changes
Increased sleepiness and temporary behavior changes are common after anesthesia and surgery. Pets may sleep more, seem quieter than usual, or appear mildly clingy or unsettled for several days.
These changes typically improve as anesthesia clears and medications are tapered. Maintaining a calm, predictable routine at home can be very helpful during this time.
Licking, Chewing & Protective Devices
Preventing licking or chewing at the incision is critical to proper healing. This may require the use of an e-collar, surgical suit, or other protective device as directed. A list of our commonly recommended post-surgical devices can be found in our guide to pet support devices.
While pets may initially dislike these tools, they are one of the most important ways to prevent infection, delayed healing, or the need for additional surgery. Most pets adjust within a few hours of consistent wear.
When to Contact Us
Please contact us if you notice vomiting or diarrhea that persists beyond 24 hours, refusal to eat for more than 24 hours, worsening lethargy, concerning incision changes, straining to defecate, or anything that feels “not quite right.”
When possible, photos of surgical sites can be emailed to [email protected] for review. When it comes to post-operative recovery, early questions are always better than late problems.