Pre- & Post-Visit Care

Your dog or cat has undergone general anesthesia and surgical sterilization.

For the safety and well being of your pet, please follow these instructions:

• Keep your pet confined for at least seven (7) days so that you can monitor the incision.
• Do not transport or travel with your pet for at least 48 hours after surgery.
• Do not allow your pet to run or jump for seven (7) days. Going up and down stairs is fine.
• As with any anesthesia, stomach upset can occur. To minimize, only give ¼ to ½ of their normal amount of food and water for the first night at home. Normal diet can be resumed the next day. You may offer food to your pet as soon as you get home. Your pet should want to eat normally tomorrow.
• DO NOT allow your pet to lick at stitches. We recommend a cone after surgery for all patients, which can be purchased from the clinic on the day of surgery. If you’d like to use your own cone, we recommend that you bring it with you when you pick up your pet so that our staff can double-check the fit and ensure they won’t be able to lick their incision.
• Check the incision 1-2 times daily for swelling, discharge, or redness until healed. A little seepage is normal immediately after surgery. If it continues for more than 3 days or if the fluid amount is more than a few drops, please contact us. You can clean the incision with a small amount of warm water on a cotton ball.
• Keep the incision clean and dry (no bathing or swimming) for 10 days.
• If your pet received their first DHPP, FVRCP or Feline Leukemia vaccine today, then they will need a booster vaccine in 3 weeks. This is important in order to provide all the immunity of the vaccine. If your puppy or kitten is less than 16 weeks old, they should receive a vaccine shot every 3 weeks until he/she is over 16 weeks to provide the most coverage.
• DO NOT give acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, or any other human medication to your pet unless directed by a veterinarian. These drugs can seriously injure your pet.