Recovering from surgery or injury can be stressful for pets and owners. This guide from MaxPetZ Specialist Veterinary Hospitals explains safe, effective at-home care after surgery, injury, or neurological treatment — including wound care, medication, nutrition, physiotherapy, and when to call us.

1. First 48 hours — what to do

• Keep your pet calm and confined (crate or small room).

• Limit movement: no running, jumping, or stairs unless advised.

• Check surgical wounds twice daily: look for excessive redness, swelling, discharge, or foul smell.

• Follow medication instructions exactly (time of day, with/without food).

• Offer small, light meals if pet is nauseous; keep water available.

2. Wound & bandage care

• Keep bandages/dressings dry and clean. Use a plastic cover during baths if needed.

• Do not remove sutures or staples — we will remove them at the recommended follow-up.

• Prevent licking: use an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) or an approved recovery suit.

• Signs of infection: increased redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or sudden pain.

3. Pain control & medication

• Only give prescribed medications. Never use human painkillers unless prescribed.

• If you miss a dose, follow the instructions on the label or call us. Do not double-dose.

• Watch for side effects: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or appetite loss — report these.

4. Activity & physiotherapy (critical for orthopedics & neurology)

• Follow the activity plan provided by your MaxPetZ specialist. Typical guidance:

  • Strict rest for the first 7–14 days for major orthopedic procedures.

  • Short, leash-only toilet walks until cleared.

  • Gradual introduction of controlled range-of-motion (ROM) and strengthening exercises taught by our physiotherapist.

• Consider referral physiotherapy sessions for: cruciate surgery, fracture recovery, intervertebral disc disease, and post-op neurologic rehab.

5. Nutrition & weight management

• Feed a balanced diet and avoid high-calorie treats while activity is restricted.

• High-protein, highly digestible diets help tissue repair — follow the diet plan your vet recommends.

• Monitor weight: excess weight slows recovery and stresses joints.

6. Home environment & comfort

• Create a clean, quiet recovery area with a non-slip surface (no rugs on slick floors).

• Use ramps to avoid stairs where possible.

• Keep litter trays, water and food close to the recovery area.

7. When to call MaxPetZ (red flags)

Contact us immediately if you notice:

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea.

• Sudden swelling or heavy bleeding from the surgical site.

• Difficulty breathing, collapse, or severe weakness.

• High fever (warm ears/body) or prolonged pain unrelieved by medication.
  Call Emergency: +91-84484-49955 or email info@maxpetz.com.

8. Typical follow-up schedule

• 48–72 hour check (phone or clinic) — pain and incision check.

• 10–14 day appointment — suture/staple removal and wound healing assessment.

• 4–8 week re-evaluation for orthopedic/neurologic rehab progress (as advised).
  Your specialist will give a schedule tailored to the procedure.

9. Practical at-home exercises (examples — only perform if instructed)

• Passive range-of-motion (PROM) for joints (gentle, 5–10 reps, 2–3 times/day).

• Assisted standing or supported walking for neurologic cases.

• Short, leash walks increasing by 5 minutes every 3–4 days when cleared.

10. Additional services from MaxPetZ

• Post-op physiotherapy & hydrotherapy.

• Pain management clinics and medication reviews.

• Nutritional planning and weight-loss programs.

• Telehealth check-ins if traveling for follow-up is difficult.

Quick checklist (show as a sidebar or downloadable PDF)

• Confined quiet area set up

• E-collar or suit in place

• Medications scheduled & administered

• Wound checked twice daily

• Leash-only short walks only

• Follow-up appointment booked

(Consider adding a downloadable “Recovery Checklist” PDF for owners.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When can my dog use stairs again?
A: Depends on the surgery. Usually not for 4–6 weeks after major orthopaedic surgery unless your surgeon clears it.

Q: My pet is licking the incision despite a cone — what should I do?
A: Call us. We may fit a different cone, add a recovery suit, or check for irritation/infection.

Q: Are natural supplements helpful?
A: Some supplements (omega-3, joint supplements) help long-term joint health, but discuss with your vet first to avoid interactions.

Q: Can I bathe my pet during recovery?
A: Not until the incision is fully healed. Spot-cleaning with vet-approved wipes is OK; keep dressings dry.