Post‑Surgery Recovery: What to Expect at Home

Bringing your pet home after surgery can feel a little unsettling — especially when they don’t seem quite like themselves. That worry is completely understandable. Please know this: what you’re seeing is very common, and you’re not alone in it. Our entire team is here to support you and your pet, and the information below is meant to help you feel prepared, reassured, and confident as your pet heals.

Why Calm Is Medicine

Rest is not just about comfort — it is part of the healing process.

When your pet stays calm:

• Blood flow to the incision stays stable
• Swelling and bruising are minimized
• Sutures and staples stay secure
• Pain medications work more effectively

Think of calm behavior as giving your pet’s body the safest, most supportive environment to heal.

Incision Protection Is Required

Your pet must be prevented from licking, chewing, scratching, or rubbing the incision.

Recovery devices (cones, recovery collars, suits, or a combination) must be worn at all times, unless our team gives you specific instructions otherwise.

Even brief licking can introduce bacteria or reopen the incision, so consistency here truly matters.

Your Pet Will Not Act “Normal” at First — And That’s Okay

It is very common — and expected — for pets to behave differently after surgery and anesthesia. This phase is temporary.

You may notice:

• Sleepiness or grogginess
• Lower energy levels
• Mild confusion or disorientation
• Whining, pacing, or restlessness
• Wanting extra reassurance — or wanting quiet space

Some pets feel frustrated by recovery devices, while others may seem unsettled as anesthesia and medications wear off. These behaviors usually improve over the first few days.

First Night Home Checklist

The first evening is often the hardest — for pets and for their people. This is normal.

• Set up a quiet, comfortable recovery space
• Keep lights and noise low
• Offer food only as directed (it’s okay if appetite is low)
• Keep recovery devices on at all times
• Dogs: leash walks only
• Cats: confine to a quiet room or large crate
• Give medications exactly as prescribed
• Expect extra sleep or mild restlessness

Common Effects After Anesthesia

As anesthesia leaves the body (usually within 12–24 hours), you may notice:

• Wobbliness or unsteady walking
• Dilated pupils
• Sensitivity to noise or light
• Shivering or trembling
• Mild nausea or reduced appetite

These effects should gradually improve.

Helpful tip: Keep your pet warm, quiet, and in a low‑stimulation environment the first night home.

Appetite, Bathroom Habits & Medications

It is normal for pets to eat less the first evening and for bowel movements to be delayed.

Bowel Movements (Pooping) After Surgery

It is not uncommon for pets to go 24–48 hours without a bowel movement after surgery. This can happen for several reasons:

• Your pet was fasted prior to anesthesia
• Anesthesia can temporarily slow the gastrointestinal tract
• Pain medications may reduce gut motility
• Activity levels are lower during recovery

This can be normal as long as your pet is otherwise comfortable.

What IS normal:

• No bowel movement in the first 24 hours
• Smaller or firmer stools when they do go

What is NOT normal — please call us if you notice:

• Repeated straining with little or no stool produced
• Crying, vocalizing, or obvious discomfort while trying to defecate
• Hunched posture or frequent attempts to go outside or use the litter box
• Swollen or painful abdomen

Dogs

• Mild constipation can be normal initially
• Leash walks can help gently stimulate bowel movements
• Do not allow running or exertion to “help them go”

Cats

• Cats may skip bowel movements longer than dogs
• Stress and anesthesia commonly delay stool production
• Monitor litter box habits closely

If your pet has not had a bowel movement by 48 hours, or if you are concerned at any point, please give us a call so we can guide you.

Please do NOT give stool softeners, laxatives, pumpkin, fiber supplements, or any home remedies unless specifically directed by our veterinary team.

Recovery Timeline: What to Expect

Day 1 (Surgery Day)

• Grogginess and sleepiness
• Reduced appetite
• Some anxiety or restlessness

Day 2

• Slight improvement in energy
• Appetite often improves
• Activity restriction is still very important

Day 3

• Many pets begin acting more like themselves
• Incision should look clean and dry
• Continue recovery devices — feeling better does not mean fully healed

When to Contact Us

Please call if you notice:

• Redness, swelling, discharge, or bleeding at the incision
• Open sutures or staples
• Persistent vomiting
• Extreme lethargy or collapse
• Removal or damage to recovery devices

If you’re unsure, it is always okay to call. We would much rather answer questions early than have you worry at home.

We’re Here for You  Every pet heals at their own pace. Thank you for trusting us with your pet’s care and for partnering with us during this important healing time. A gentle reminder: Recovery is not a race. Quiet days, patience, and consistent care give your pet the time and space their body needs to heal. We believe every season of healing is held with purpose, and we are grateful to walk this time with you.   — Your North Coast Pet Clinic Team