After surgery, your beloved pet dog will need time to heal. It is a special time to care for your dogs. The longer it takes for your dog to heal, the more there is a risk for infection.
The vet offers post-op care directions that must be thoroughly followed. It includes giving special attention to what your dog eats. Understanding how to take care of your pet will get it back to its feet in no time.
What to Expect After Surgery
Regardless of what type of veterinary surgery, dogs will be sedated. Anesthesia may wear off hours after, or sometimes, it may take a couple of days. Healing time varies from dog to dog. It may be a time of confusion for the dog. Add to it the pain and discomfort from the wounds. Dogs might be shaky, drowsy, sore, and lacking the urge for food.
Feeding After Surgery
A dog’s stomach might be a little queasy after an operation. So, offering a small healthy meal and fresh water is better when it is time to eat. A bland home-cooked meal is ideal. However, don’t stress if the dog doesn’t eat. It typically takes 24 hours for a pet to regain its appetite.
If appetite does not come back after 48 hours, or if there is vomiting or diarrhea, you must contact the emergency vet immediately. It can be a sign of infection or pain. Why not check this link for more information on emergency cases?
Recovery Diet Recommendations
The dog can then be offered an ideal recovery diet which should be nutrition-packed. Because the dog tends to eat less, protein is needed to protect muscle mass. Foods high in energy promote healing and support metabolism. Fats are likewise required as recovering dogs will be insulin resistant, and fats repair and rebuild tissues.
Likewise, food should be attractive and tasty to motivate the dog to eat. Such post-op foods, as recommended by vets from respectable hospitals like Aadobe Animal Hospital, can be the following:
- Boiled ground turkey and shredded chicken, bones removed
- Boiled eggs
- Rice
After the critical period, you can begin including more on their menu. Food that supports health and promotes healing are:
- Small fish like sardines and anchovies and other seafood are rich in Omega-3.
- Bone broth improves digestion, cleanses the liver, eases pain, etc.
- Kelp is rich in iodine, selenium, zinc, and magnesium and can strengthen immunity, digestion, and thyroid function.
- Yogurt for probiotics for those still taking antibiotics. It likewise detoxes and heals the bowel and chelates heavy metals.
- Organ meats contain minerals and multivitamins and can also support blood building.
Practical Tips to Get Your Dog Eating
Some dogs might find it challenging to eat in discomfort. Or, maybe your dog is ready for food but is acting like a big baby. If that is the case, you can motivate your pet to eat with these tips.
Heat the Food
A little warm water to soften kibbles would help a dog without energy eat. Home-cooked meals smell quite good and are enticing when served warm.
Give Meat
If your dog snobs kibble, it’s time to offer some boiled meat or eggs. The smell of protein can do marvels for a carnivore’s appetite.
Baby Food
Maybe the starving dog is still lacking energy or still feels nauseous. You can give it store-bought baby food or blend your mix with carbs, meat, and veggies. No chewing is needed.
Hand-Feeding
Get down on the floor, speak gently, and hand-feed your pet dog. A little tender loving care will be effective, particularly if the dog needs to wear the cone of shame.
