If your dog is having surgery for a musculoskeletal condition such as hip dysplasia or a herniated disc, there are usually some unique features and changes that you will encounter in the first few weeks after surgery. For the most part, dogs are not allowed to exert themselves during the recovery period as they did before. This means everyday walks can’t go on as usual. Getting in and out of the car is no longer easy, even climbing stairs becomes a challenge. In the house, slippery surfaces such as tiles, parquet or laminate are almost impossible for dogs to cope with after musculoskeletal surgery.
Of course, if the operation is performed acutely, it is difficult to prepare comprehensively for the time afterwards. But with just a few days notice, you can be prepared so that this makes the time after surgery much easier and less complicated for your dog and also for you.
For this purpose, I summarize some important points as a checklist:
1. make the floor in the house non-slip dog is operated
If you have tile, hardwood floors or laminate, this will be difficult for your dog to manage after surgery. I recommend you lay out areas where your dog frequently moves with runners for him to walk on. This way you prevent him from slipping and falling and at the same time give him more security in his movement.
2. leakage protection to protect the wound.
A lick guard is no longer just the transparent “plastic tube” with which your dog can hardly move and which not only prevents him from licking the wound, but at the same time hinders him in his locomotion and everyday movements. There are great inflatable collars or those made of fabric that work just as well, but are much more comfortable for the patient to wear and they can sleep well with them.
3. stretcher for stairs dog is operated
If your dog is so big that you can’t carry him, I recommend a carrier for climbing stairs. These are available for the forehand or hindquarters, or to support the entire body. This will keep your dog safe when he needs to go up or down stairs and at the same time take the strain off his joints.
4. prevent your dog from climbing stairs in the house
You only let your dog out of your sight for a moment and he immediately used it to climb the stairs secretly, and that after the surgery. Here you can easily install a baby gate that prevents your dog from climbing stairs when he is not allowed to.
5. ramp for car
Again, if you can’t lift your dog in/out of the car, I recommend resorting to a handy dog ramp to get your dog in/out of the car safely.
6. box rest – be prepared
If you already know that your dog will need box rest after surgery, as is often the case after back surgery, for example, then I recommend that you set up a comfortable sized box at home, for example in the living room, and with the usual place to lie – best with an orthopedic filling – of your dog. If possible, accustom him to the box step by step before the operation. Should you need help here, it is best to contact a dog trainer with confidence. This way you can make the box a place of well-being for your dog. Preferably, there should also be room for water and food.
7. adapted movement
Be sure to stick to what the treating physician specifies as a workload for exercise. Doing this consistently has a big impact on the success of the operation.
8. search for a suitable physiotherapist
It is best to make an appointment with a physiotherapist as soon as possible. This allows your dog to be accompanied from the beginning. Even if it is not yet possible to start actively with exercises or similar, there are many different passive measures to support your dog, e.g. also to gently relieve overloaded areas of the body. In addition, therapists can also give you many helpful tips specific to your situation/disease.
9. possibilities for employment dog is operated
Address how to keep your dog mentally engaged during the spay phase to avoid frustration. Very good are, for example, sniffing carpets and also many intelligence games, which can be done even lying down. Also, simply hiding treats in a crumpled blanket and then letting the dog pick them out provides a nice activity.
10. plan time for follow-up examinations
There will be one or two appointments to check the wound in the days leading up to the removal of the stitches. These are very important and you should definitely take advantage of them. Please do not manipulate the wound under any circumstances while there are still sutures in it and it has not healed. There is a high risk of infection.
11. do not leave your dog alone
Especially in the first days after surgery, your dog should not be left alone under any circumstances. To avoid unnecessary stress, I recommend that you take a few days off. If this is not possible, be sure to make sure your dog is not alone. Maybe your family can help you take care of it, or a dog sitter.
12. try to stay calm and write down your questions
I know that’s easier said than done. Surgery always involves risks, gets on your nerves and is exciting. Nevertheless, I urge you to try to remain as calm as possible. Because that’s exactly what your dog needs most right now: your calm and your support. I also recommend that you write down all of your questions before you go to the vet. At the doctor’s office, you’re usually excited and forget half of it again. Once you’re home, the questions come back to you. Therefore, write down your most important questions and take your notes with you to the doctor. You can then also write down key points for the answers.
PS: It helps many people in these situations to have someone by their side for support when it comes to the vet. A second person who listens and provides emotional support, holds the bag, lends a hand and is simply there. Do not hesitate to approach someone who will be happy to assist you here. dogis operated
Do you have any questions about the topic? If so, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email at tina@doggy-fitness.de.
All the love, Tina
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