Next week, my beloved dog, Nini, will undergo a full-mouth dental extraction. ( I am not operating on my dogs or cats - in case you wonder- it is emotionally too hard on most surgeons)
This preparatory journey has inspired me to take a step back and reflect on how we can truly support our pets—and ourselves—through experiences like this.
Here are my thoughts on it:
1. Adjust Your Dog’s Diet 5 Days Before Surgery
In the days leading up to your dog’s surgery, their diet plays a vital role in ensuring they are as strong and resilient as possible.
Focus on providing high-quality, easily digestible food to support their immune system and overall health. This might mean switching to lightly cooked meals or adding nourishing broths to their diet.
Consider incorporating probiotics to promote a healthy gut, as this can be particularly helpful in managing stress and maintaining digestion during recovery. You may also explore immune-boosting supplements such as colostrum, omega-3 fatty acids, or a gentle herbal blend designed for dogs.
By making these adjustments, you’re setting the foundation for a smoother recovery and giving your dog the strength they need to heal effectively.
2. Prepare Your Home: Create a Recovery Space
A calm, comfortable environment can make all the difference in your dog’s recovery process. Before the surgery, take some time to set up a dedicated recovery space where your dog can feel safe, relaxed, and free from unnecessary distractions.
Choose a quiet area in your home, away from heavy foot traffic or loud noises. Place a soft, supportive bed or blanket in this space, ensuring it’s easy for your dog to access. You might also consider adding their favourite toy or an item with your scent to provide emotional comfort.
Ensure the area is warm and free from any hazards, such as sharp objects or stairs, as your dog may feel groggy or disoriented after the procedure. Keep fresh water within easy reach but avoid leaving food out immediately after surgery to prevent nausea.
Having this recovery zone ready ahead of time not only helps your dog feel secure but also allows you to focus entirely on their needs when they come home.
3. Review Surgery Details and Stay Organized
A few days before the surgery, take the time to carefully review all the details in the surgical waiver provided by your veterinarian. While it may seem straightforward, going over the document in advance allows you to fully understand the procedure, potential risks, and post-surgery care instructions. If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet for clarification—it’s better to feel fully informed ahead of time.
In addition, write down the exact time and address of the clinic, along with any special instructions for the day. Preparing these details early ensures that you won’t feel rushed or flustered on the day of the surgery. This sense of calm and preparedness can have a positive effect on your dog, as our pets are highly attuned to our emotions. By projecting a calm and secure demeanour, you help your dog feel more confident and reassured in an unfamiliar situation.
A little preparation goes a long way, not just for logistics but also in fostering a sense of emotional balance for you and your furry companion.
4. Pack Your Dog’s Travel Bag
On the day of the surgery, having a well-prepared travel bag can make the experience smoother and more comforting for your dog. Start by including your dog’s favourite blanket and a comfort toy—familiar items that carry the reassuring scent of home. These small touches can help ease anxiety and provide a sense of security during the trip to the clinic.
Don’t forget to pack your dog’s vaccination record or any paperwork requested by the veterinarian. Having everything ready in advance reduces stress and ensures you won’t forget anything important in the rush of the moment.
You might also want to include a collapsible water bowl, in case your dog needs a sip of water during the journey and a leash or harness that’s easy to manage. While your dog won’t eat before surgery, having a few post-surgery necessities, like a soft towel or wipes, can be helpful for the ride home.
This simple preparation helps create a calm and organized experience, letting you focus on supporting your dog through the day.
5. Practice Relaxation with Your Dog
In the days leading up to the surgery, it’s important to help your dog feel calm and relaxed, both to ease pre-surgery anxiety and to promote a smoother recovery. Spending quiet, quality time together can help you both build a sense of peace.
Gentle touch, soft petting, and calm voice tones can all contribute to your dog’s emotional well-being. If your dog enjoys being massaged, try giving them gentle body rubs or paw massages, as this can soothe their nerves and strengthen your bond. You can also practice simple relaxation techniques, such as creating a calm environment with soft music or using aromatherapy (pet-safe essential oils like lavender can be very soothing).
Additionally, you can incorporate mindfulness practices into your routine, where you both take slow, mindful walks or spend time in a quiet, relaxed space. These rituals not only ease stress but also reinforce a sense of safety and trust, which will carry over into the surgery and recovery.
By practising relaxation, you are teaching your dog that calmness is safe and secure, helping them approach surgery and recovery with a peaceful mindset. A relaxed dog is much more likely to feel at ease after surgery, allowing for a quicker and more comfortable healing process.
6. Respect the Fasting Window
One of the most important aspects of preparing for surgery is ensuring that your dog adheres to the fasting guidelines provided by your veterinarian. Typically, this means withholding food for 12–14 hours before the surgery. While it can be difficult to deny your dog their usual meals, this fasting period is essential for their safety during anaesthesia.
An empty stomach reduces the risk of vomiting or aspiration during the procedure, which could lead to serious complications. It’s equally important to ensure your dog has access to fresh water up until the designated fasting period begins unless advised otherwise by the vet.
By respecting this fasting window, you're contributing to a safer surgical experience and allowing your dog to enter the procedure with the best chance for a smooth recovery. Even though it may seem hard, this small sacrifice ensures the well-being of your pet, which is always the priority.
7. Light Exercise and Final Preparation on the Day of Surgery
On the day of your dog’s surgery, the goal is to help them feel as calm and relaxed as possible before the procedure. Avoid any strenuous activities, but consider a light exercise routine to help ease any anxiety or restlessness. A gentle walk or a brief play session in the yard can allow your dog to expend a bit of energy without overstimulating them.
If the location allows, take your dog for a short stroll before heading to the clinic. This allows them to stretch their legs and clear their mind in a familiar, peaceful environment. It’s also a good time to ensure they have one last opportunity for a bathroom break, so they feel comfortable during the journey.
When it’s time to leave, ensure you have a relaxed window of time before your scheduled arrival. Rushing to the appointment can create unnecessary stress for both of you. Aim to depart calmly, giving yourself plenty of time to avoid any last-minute hurries. This extra time will allow both you and your dog to maintain a calm, composed mindset as you prepare for the upcoming procedure.
By keeping things low-key in the final hours, you’re setting the tone for a smoother transition to the surgery, which will help your dog feel more secure and at ease.
8. Stay Calm—Your Dog Feels Your Energy
Perhaps the most important thing you can do for your dog is to remain calm and composed. Dogs are incredibly sensitive to our emotions, and by staying calm, you help create a safe and secure environment for them during this stressful time. Your energy will directly influence your dog’s emotional state, so remaining calm reassures them that everything is okay.
Stay reachable by phone while your dog is undergoing the procedure, and when it’s time to bring them home, continue to project a sense of calm and positivity. Your dog may be groggy or disoriented, so gentle reassurance is key. When you arrive home, focus on providing a peaceful, cosy space for them to rest and recover.
This is the beginning of a week of focused recovery—soft meals, small walks, and gentle care. While it’s tempting to rush back to normal activities, try to keep things quiet and easy for the first few days. If possible, stay with your dog during this crucial recovery phase. Your presence will offer them much-needed comfort and security, and they will undoubtedly appreciate the extra love and care.
By offering a calm, steady presence, you are showing your dog that they are loved and cared for through every step of the healing process. The effort you put into this period will be felt deeply by your dog—and they will thank you for it in their special way.
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