Your pup can experience discomfort after surgery, but there are concrete ways you can help. Here are some things to remember, along with your veterinarian’s instructions, when your dog enters postoperative recovery.

1. Confinement Period

Confinement protects dogs from other animals, the environment, and themselves. Certain movements (running, climbing, descending, and jumping) may slow down how tissues bond and heal. Uncomfortable, disoriented dogs can also be unusually grump, so keep them away from small children and other animals. This also discourages other pets from licking your dog’s wounds or eliciting unnecessary excitement.

2. Maximum Comfort

Keep your pups separate, cosy, and secure. Provide soft bedding and make sure recovering dogs have enough space to stand up, turn in a full circle, and make themselves comfortable. The confinement area should be quiet, well ventilated, not too hot, and not too cold. Don’t plan to have guests over in the meantime and consider “crate rest.”

3. Infection Prevention

Change bandages and treat wounds, according to your vet’s instructions. Typically you should leave surgery cuts alone. If a wound gets crusty, you can pat it with warm water or clean it with diluted iodine, but stay away from alcohol and peroxide. Do not wash glue that was used instead of stitches. Hold off on baths and keep wounds dry. While some leaking is normal, bring your dog to the vet if there are signs of an infection.

4. Cone of Shame

Animals fuss over areas of pain, itchiness, and discomfort by licking, scratching, and biting. Messing around with wounds too much can inhibit healing and even sever the sutures. To prevent this behaviour, your pooch may have to wear an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) or what is otherwise known as the “cone of shame.”

5. Diet Restrictions

A dog may feel nauseated and puke a bit immediately after surgery. You can feed your dog small portions of bland “light and white” food like cooked chicken or give them food for the sensitive stomach. Your pup will also need more hydration. When pets seem woozy, watch over them as they drink. Some drowsy dogs can unwittingly sink their snouts into their water bowl.

6. Mental Stimulation

You can offer your pooch some mental stimulation with gentle games. Start some obedience training with simple commands like “leave it,” “look,” “shake,” and “which hand?” Don’t forget to keep your pet’s favourite toys within easy reach.

7. Outdoor Supervision

Keep your pup indoors as long as your vet suggests. Give a dog some fresh air by periodically moving the crate to the backyard or porch, in mild weather. Physical therapy may be prescribed. When your vet says short walks are okay, keep dogs leashed and behaved—no jumping, running, or intense activity.

Remember to stay calm and be positive. Pets are sensitive to body language and emotions, so be careful not to transfer any negativity, anxiety, or stress onto a recovering canine companion. Use a soothing voice and slow movements around the patient. Pet your dog with soft, long strokes. Maintain a peaceful, supportive atmosphere full of harmony and healing energy.