How to Prepare Your Pet for Surgery

Does your pet have a health issue or injury that requires surgery? If so, you may wonder how to prepare your pet for the procedure. Costa Mesa Animal Hospital in Costa Mesa, CA, ensures that all pets and their owners are ready for surgical procedures. We are here to tell you how to prepare your pet for surgery to ensure the safety and efficacy of the procedure.

Schedule an Exam

A thorough exam from our vet is crucial before your pet’s surgical operation. Our vet checks to see if your pet is healthy enough for surgery or if there are concerns that could complicate the procedure. Doing this helps reduce the risk of side effects or complications. Your pet’s exam may include:

•             Doing bloodwork

•             Checking your pet’s heart and lungs

•             Doing a visual inspection of your pet’s body

•             Feeling your pet’s body for any abnormalities

Your pet’s pre-op exam is also a great time to ask questions about the procedure. Our vet can answer your concerns and tell you what to expect, how long the surgery takes, and what the recovery process will look like.

Follow Dietary Restrictions

Your pet will likely need to stop eating and drinking before the surgery. Depending on the type of surgical procedure, these dietary restrictions can range from a few hours to a day beforehand. Our veterinarian will inform you when to withhold water and food.

Adjust Your Pet’s Medication

Medications can sometimes interfere with surgical procedures due to their interactions with anesthesia. Our vet will tell you whether or not you need to stop giving your pet medication before the surgery. They can also tell you how much you need to adjust the dosage amount if you can still give your pet medication before surgery.

Set Up a Comfortable Spot for Recovery

Some surgical procedures have quick recovery periods, while others can take weeks or months for a complete recovery. In either case, you should give your pet a comfortable place to rest and heal. This area should provide the following:

•             A calm, quiet environment away from busy areas in your home

•             Soft bedding, like a pet bed or pillow

•             Convenient access to water and food

Get Safe and Effective Pet Surgery at Costa Mesa Animal Hospital Today

If your pet requires surgery or you want more information on preparing for pet surgery, contact Costa Mesa Animal Hospital in Costa Mesa, CA, today. Our veterinarian can help prepare your pet for surgery to ensure a successful procedure. Call us and schedule an appointment at (949) 548-3794 to keep your pet healthy and happy.