How to Prepare your Pet for Surgery
- posted: Jun. 13, 2025
Having a pet that needs surgery can be stressful, but it is best to keep in mind that our modern anesthesia, monitoring systems, and surgical techniques make most surgeries routine, with little risk to your pet. As with many aspects of life, preparation is key, so follow your veterinarian’s instructions for caring for your pet before, during, and after surgery. If you live in or near Westminster and Huntington Harbour, CA, consider visiting Amigo Animal Hospital for all of your pets’ veterinary needs.
Preparing for Surgery
Once you have decided to proceed with surgery, your veterinarian will provide instructions on how to prepare your pet for it.
Additional Testing
Your pet may need additional radiography, blood, urinalysis, or other tests to prepare for surgery in order to minimize potential complications.
Medicine and Dietary Changes
Your pet may require changes to their medicine and dietary routines before surgery, which your veterinarian will explain.
Bathing/Grooming
Following surgery, your pet will likely be unable to bathe or be fully groomed for a period of time, so consider grooming your pet as part of surgery preparation.
Fasting
Pets generally need to fast for some period before surgery, so if you have an outdoor pet, keep him inside where you can control access to food and water.
Arrival and Surgery
Be sure to confirm your arrival time and the expected time required for surgery and recovery. If you do not plan to wait at the facility, provide your contact information.
Post-Surgery Preparations
Your pet may need to wear a protective collar to prevent it from licking an incision. Your pet may also require painkillers, medications, or wound care products during recovery.
It is important to prepare your home for handling your pet in the days after surgery. Be sure to prepare an area for your pet to rest, whether that is a crate or soft bedding in an accessible area. Cleaning their bedding to reduce infection risk is also highly recommended.
Your pet’s ability to exercise may also be restricted for a week or two following surgery, but once it has fully recovered, you and your pet can return to the activities that you enjoy together.
Contact Amigo Animal Hospital
If you live in Westminsteror Huntington Harbour, CA, and want a vet near you, call Amigo Animal Hospital at (714) 894-5558. Whether your pet has a wellness exam or requires surgery, our staff will provide high-quality, compassionate treatment.
- posted: Jun. 13, 2025
Having a pet that needs surgery can be stressful, but it is best to keep in mind that our modern anesthesia, monitoring systems, and surgical techniques make most surgeries routine, with little risk to your pet. As with many aspects of life, preparation is key, so follow your veterinarian’s instructions for caring for your pet before, during, and after surgery. If you live in or near Westminster and Huntington Harbour, CA, consider visiting Amigo Animal Hospital for all of your pets’ veterinary needs.
Preparing for Surgery
Once you have decided to proceed with surgery, your veterinarian will provide instructions on how to prepare your pet for it.
Additional Testing
Your pet may need additional radiography, blood, urinalysis, or other tests to prepare for surgery in order to minimize potential complications.
Medicine and Dietary Changes
Your pet may require changes to their medicine and dietary routines before surgery, which your veterinarian will explain.
Bathing/Grooming
Following surgery, your pet will likely be unable to bathe or be fully groomed for a period of time, so consider grooming your pet as part of surgery preparation.
Fasting
Pets generally need to fast for some period before surgery, so if you have an outdoor pet, keep him inside where you can control access to food and water.
Arrival and Surgery
Be sure to confirm your arrival time and the expected time required for surgery and recovery. If you do not plan to wait at the facility, provide your contact information.
Post-Surgery Preparations
Your pet may need to wear a protective collar to prevent it from licking an incision. Your pet may also require painkillers, medications, or wound care products during recovery.
It is important to prepare your home for handling your pet in the days after surgery. Be sure to prepare an area for your pet to rest, whether that is a crate or soft bedding in an accessible area. Cleaning their bedding to reduce infection risk is also highly recommended.
Your pet’s ability to exercise may also be restricted for a week or two following surgery, but once it has fully recovered, you and your pet can return to the activities that you enjoy together.
Contact Amigo Animal Hospital
If you live in Westminsteror Huntington Harbour, CA, and want a vet near you, call Amigo Animal Hospital at (714) 894-5558. Whether your pet has a wellness exam or requires surgery, our staff will provide high-quality, compassionate treatment.