Most pets are brighter within 24–48 hours, but the surgical wound needs protecting for around 10–14 days.
Your first steps
What to do at home
- Keep your pet indoors and quiet for the first evening.
- Offer a small meal unless your discharge instructions say otherwise.
- Use the prescribed collar or recovery suit at all times.
- Check the wound morning and evening without touching it.
- Give only medication supplied or approved by your vet.
Things that often settle
- Sleepiness during the first evening
- A slightly reduced appetite for one meal
- Mild bruising or a small amount of swelling
- Wanting more reassurance or quiet
Things we want to know about
- The wound becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen or painful
- There is discharge, bleeding or the wound edges separate
- Your pet repeatedly vomits or will not drink
- They are very quiet beyond the first day
- They have removed stitches or continually reach the wound
Medication safety
Only give what has been prescribed.
Human painkillers—including ibuprofen and paracetamol—can be dangerous to pets. Contact the practice before adding, stopping or changing any medicine.