Caring for the Canine Surgical Patient

Dogs have surgery more often than you might think. A dog might start its life by being spayed or neutered and surgery is common for dental issues, hip dysplasia and other dog illnesses. In addition, there are life's little accidents, like the dog who has to have stomach surgery to remove an unwisely swallowed item.

If the surgery is not an emergency, you can prepare for it by following your vet's instructions, which may include some or all of the following:

Don't feed your dog for 12 hours before the operation and prevent access to water for eight hours beforehand. That means no treats, no biscuits and no access to the toilet bowl.

Try to keep your dog quiet -- no running or rough play -- for at least 24 hours after surgery, usually more. This may mean keeping the patient away from other pets, who may be upset that their friend has come home smelling like a vet's office.

You may need to use a "cone" collar to keep your dog from digging at the surgery site.

It's fine to provide extra love and affection!