Surgery takes a toll on both pets and their owners. Whether it is a simple spay, a lump removal, or something urgent and complicated, the moment you bring your pet home is when the real care begins. At Topanga Veterinary Clinic in Chatsworth, CA, we see it every day: the anxious glances, the questions, the careful way owners carry their pets after surgery. Healing does not end when the anesthesia wears off. It happens quietly afterward, at home, under your watch.
The First Day: Quiet, Slow, and Calm
The first 24 hours are about peace. Your dog or cat will likely be groggy, unsure, and maybe a bit clingy. Their coordination may be off, so clear a soft, enclosed space where they can rest without bumping into things. Avoid stairs, loud sounds, or curious children.
If they shiver, seem disoriented, or refuse to stand, call your Chatsworth vet. Sometimes it is normal anesthesia fatigue, but it is always better to check. Keep food light and plain if your vet allows feeding that evening. A few bites, some water, and rest are enough for now.
Managing Pain and Medication
Pain delays recovery. Depending on the surgery, your vet will send you home with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or more pain treatment. Correctly follow the schedule. Gently panting, pacing, or hiding may indicate pain in pets.
Never give human pain medicine unless your vet specifically approves it. Many are dangerous for animals. If your dog or cat seems distressed or you are unsure whether the pain is too much, call the Banfield Pet Hospital in Chatsworth because a cautious call is better than an unnecessary risk.
Protecting the Incision
Most post-surgery problems begin with licking. It is instinct for pets to tend to a wound, but that can cause infection or torn stitches. The cone may look awkward, but it protects the incision. Keep the area clean and dry, and try not to put on any ointments or bandages on wounds unless your vet instructs you to do so.
Examine the incision twice a day. Redness or swelling may be slight and normal; however, drainage, odor, or absence of stitches are not. If anything looks unusual, schedule a visit right away. Infection can spread quickly, and early care makes recovery smoother.
Rest and Restricted Activity
Rest is part of the treatment. Your dog may act fine after a few days and want to run or jump, but inside, tissues are still healing. Limit activity for at least 10 to 14 days unless your vet says otherwise. Short leash walks only, no rough play.
Cats need confinement in a small, quiet space where they cannot leap onto furniture. Essentials like a litter box, soft bed, food, and water keep it close to them. If your cat avoids food or hides for more than a day, contact your Chatsworth vet for advice.
The Importance of Follow-Ups
Sometimes it looks like healing is going well, but it's not. After the first visit, your doctor can check on the wound and make sure there are no hidden issues. During the visits to the Veterinary Clinic, the pet's diet or pain medicine is often changed based on how well it is healing. You will also be told when it's okay for your pet to play normally again.
It takes a few days for most pets to get their energy and hunger back, but it depends on what kind of surgery they had. Healing slowly is the goal, not rapid healing.
When to Call the Vet
If you ever feel unsure, reach out and contact the pet hospital in Chatsworth, CA, veterinarian immediately if you notice:
● Bleeding or fluid coming from the incision
● Refusal to eat or drink for over 24 hours
● Vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty in breathing.
● Lethargy or collapse
● A bad smell or swelling around the wound
● Prompt attention often prevents small issues from turning serious.
Healing at Home with the Right Support
Although it is effortless when you are taking good care of your pet in the post-surgery period, the process requires some mindfulness and patience. Be sure that you are attentive to your pet, adherent to the advice of your veterinarian, and regular in medication and rest. The staff of Topanga Veterinary Clinic in Chatsworth, CA, helps you to make every transition. We keep in touch with you, respond to any of your inquiries with us, and assure you that your pet is healing as safely and steadily as it can.