Post-Op Instructions

Please closely monitor your pet during the 7–10 day recovery period and strictly follow these mandatory post-operative care instructions. Contact us today with any questions.

  • Limit activity for at least one week after surgery.
    No running, jumping, playing, swimming or other strenuous activity for 7-10 days after surgery. Pets must be kept indoors to rest and stay clean, dry and warm. No baths during the recovery period. Dogs must be taken outside on a leash, even in a fenced-in yard.

  • Check the incision site at least two times a day.
    Do not allow your pet to lick or chew at the incision site. If this occurs, an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) MUST be put on immediately to prevent injury to the surgical site (can be purchased at TLC PetSnip for $5 or at local pet stores). You can also use boxer shorts to cover the incision (stick the tail through the opening). TLC PetSnip is not liable for any self-induced trauma resulting from not using an E-collar. There may be a FIRM LUMP under the incision as the dissolvable sutures break down for several weeks. This is normal. There are no external sutures, unless otherwise noted. Redness and swelling should be minimal.

  • Do not give your pet human pain medication.
    Pain Medication that lasts 24 hours was given to your pet at the time of surgery. DO NOT give your pet any human pain relievers (like aspirin, Advil, Tylenol, etc.). These medications have the potential to be toxic to your pet.

  • Monitor appetite and activity level for 24 hours after surgery.
    Appetite and activity level should gradually return to normal within 24 hours after surgery. Lethargy or lack of appetite lasting more than 24 hours, severe diarrhea or persistent vomiting are NOT normal and you should contact us promptly at 863-686-7647 if these symptoms occur. Pets may have a slight cough for a few days after surgery.

  • Keep a consistent diet for at least one week after surgery.
    Do not change your pet’s diet for 7 to 10 days after surgery and DO NOT give any people food or table scraps during the recovery period. These could mask post-operative complications.

  • Quarantine female pets who were in heat before surgery.
    If your female pet was in heat you MUST keep her away from intact (not neutered) and recently neutered males for TWO weeks or serious complications may result. It is normal to have some spotting of blood or mild discharge for up to 2 weeks after surgery. Please contact us if it continues longer than 2 weeks.

    *Your pet received a green tattoo next to their incision to show the pet has been altered. The tattoo is a scoring process of the skin and is permanent. It is NOT an extra incision.