How to Care for Your Dog or Cat After Surgery: Recovery, Eating, Walking & Healing Tips

When your dog or cat undergoes surgery, whether it’s a routine procedure such as desexing or a more complex operation, the recovery period that follows is just as important as the surgery itself. The way you care for your pet after they come home from the vet will play a major role in how quickly and comfortably they heal. Many pet owners understandably feel nervous about managing recovery, worrying about things like feeding schedules, exercise restrictions, pain management, and spotting signs of complications. Fortunately, with some knowledge and preparation, you can provide your pet with the best possible care at home and help them get back on their paws as smoothly as possible.

The Importance of Post-Surgery Care

Surgery places stress on your pet’s body, and even though veterinary teams use the safest techniques and medications, your dog or cat will need time to rest and recover. Post-surgery care helps:

• Reduce the risk of infection.
• Ensure stitches, staples, or wounds heal properly.
• Manage pain and discomfort.
• Prevent complications from overactivity.
• Support your pet’s emotional wellbeing during recovery.

Remember, recovery doesn’t end the moment your pet leaves the vet clinic. The home environment becomes the most important factor in helping them heal well.

Setting Up a Comfortable Recovery Space

Before your pet comes home, it’s a good idea to prepare a quiet, clean, and safe space where they can rest. Dogs and cats often feel drowsy or unsteady for the first day or two due to the lingering effects of anaesthesia. A comfortable recovery space should:

• Be quiet and away from household traffic – pets need rest without being disturbed by children or other animals.
• Include a soft bed or blanket to cushion their body, especially if they’re stiff or sore.
• Have easy access to food, water, and a litter tray (for cats) so they don’t need to move around too much.
• Be confined if needed – crates, playpens, or a small room can prevent too much movement, jumping, or climbing.

The goal is to limit physical strain while still ensuring your pet feels safe and loved.

Monitoring the First 24 Hours

The first 24 hours after vet surgery are often the most critical. Pets may be groggy, uncoordinated, or nauseous. Some common things to expect include:

• Drowsiness or wobbliness due to anaesthesia.
• Mild whining or restlessness, which can be a reaction to discomfort or unfamiliar sensations.
• Slight loss of appetite – many pets don’t feel like eating right after surgery.
• Minor swelling or redness around the incision – this is usually normal, but it should not worsen.

During this time, keep your pet indoors, limit activity, and follow your vet’s specific instructions regarding food, water, and medications. Never leave your pet unattended for long periods in the first day post-surgery.

Feeding Your Pet After Surgery

One of the most common questions owners have is: When can my pet eat after surgery?

• Immediate post-surgery: Most vets recommend waiting until your pet is fully awake before offering food or water.
• First meal: Start with a small, light meal. Some clinics provide prescription recovery diets, which are gentle on the stomach. If not, you can offer boiled chicken, plain rice, or your pet’s usual food in smaller portions.
• Gradual return to normal diet: If your pet keeps food down without vomiting, you can slowly reintroduce their regular meals over the next 24–48 hours.
• For cats: Ensure the litter tray is nearby, as they may not feel like moving far after eating.

Loss of appetite for a day is common, but if your pet refuses food beyond 48 hours, call your vet.

Walking and Exercise Restrictions

Rest is vital after surgery, but pet owners often wonder when their dog can walk again or when their cat can resume normal play.

• Dogs: Most vets recommend leash walks only for bathroom breaks during the first week. Avoid running, jumping, or climbing stairs until your vet confirms it’s safe. Some surgeries (like orthopaedic operations) may require strict rest for several weeks.
• Cats: Keep cats indoors, limit jumping, and provide a safe, enclosed area where they can recover without straining stitches.

Controlled movement prevents the incision from reopening and reduces the risk of swelling, bleeding, or delayed healing. Always follow your vet’s timeline for reintroducing activity.

Managing Pain and Medications

Pain management is a crucial part of recovery. Pets may not show pain the same way humans do, but signs include whining, hiding, restlessness, panting, or refusing to move.

Your vet will typically prescribe pain relief and sometimes antibiotics. It’s important to:

• Follow dosage instructions exactly – never give extra medication without approval.
• Never give human painkillers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or paracetamol, as these can be toxic to pets.
• Administer medications at the same time each day to maintain consistent pain control.

Proper pain relief not only keeps pets comfortable but also helps them rest, heal faster, and avoid complications.

Caring for Stitches and Wounds

The surgical site requires special attention during recovery. Keeping it clean and protected will prevent infections. Here’s what to do:

• Check the incision daily for swelling, redness, discharge, or bad odour.
• Prevent licking or chewing – use an Elizabethan collar (cone) or recovery suit if needed.
• Keep the area dry – avoid bathing your pet or allowing the incision to get wet until your vet gives the all-clear.
• Don’t apply creams or ointments unless your vet specifically prescribes them.

If you notice bleeding, pus, or your pet pulling at stitches, contact your vet immediately.

Signs of Infection or Complications

While most pets recover smoothly, it’s important to know when to seek veterinary help. Contact your vet if you notice:

• Persistent vomiting or refusal to eat beyond 48 hours.
• Swelling, redness, or pus around the incision.
• A foul smell coming from the wound.
• Sudden lethargy, weakness, or collapse.
• Excessive bleeding or stitches coming apart.
• Signs of severe pain that don’t improve with prescribed medication.

Prompt veterinary care can prevent small issues from becoming life-threatening complications.

Supporting Emotional Wellbeing

Recovery isn’t just physical—it also affects your pet’s emotional health. Dogs and cats may feel confused, frustrated, or anxious about restrictions on their normal activities. Some tips to keep them comfortable include:

• Spending quiet time together – sit with your pet to reassure them without overstimulating.
• Providing gentle enrichment – chew toys, food puzzles, or soft interaction can keep them entertained without too much activity.
• Maintaining routine – stick to regular feeding and bathroom schedules to provide a sense of normalcy.

Your presence and comfort go a long way in helping your pet feel secure during recovery.

Follow-Up Vet Appointments

Most surgeries require at least one follow-up appointment. During this visit, your vet will check the incision, remove stitches (if not dissolvable), and assess overall healing. Attending these appointments is essential, even if your pet seems to be doing fine, as vets can catch problems that may not be obvious to you.

Final Thoughts

Caring for your dog or cat after surgery can feel overwhelming at first, but with preparation and attention to detail, you can ensure a smooth recovery. By setting up a safe recovery space, monitoring food and water intake, controlling exercise, administering pain relief correctly, and watching for signs of complications, you’ll give your pet the best possible chance to heal quickly and comfortably.

Every pet is different, and recovery timelines vary depending on the type of surgery, the animal’s age, and their overall health. The most important thing is to follow your veterinarian’s instructions closely and never hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure. With your care and support, your furry friend will be back to their happy, healthy self in no time.