Your pet is recovering after spay/neuter surgery. Please follow the instructions below to minimize healing complications over the next two weeks:

1. Please restrict your pet’s activity level at home for the next two weeks. For dogs, this means short leash walks outside for bathroom breaks only. For cats, this may require confinement to a specific part of the house (bedroom, bathroom, etc). No running, jumping, or rough housing.

2. No bathing or swimming for two weeks.

3. An e-collar should be used if your pet is licking or scratching at the incision. These can be found at most local stores.

4. Monitor the incision daily for redness, swelling, discharge, heat, or pain. These can be signs of infection. If you have any concerns about the incision, please have your pet rechecked with a veterinarian.

5. Sutures are buried below the skin and do not require removal. These sutures will dissolve on their own over several months.

6. Because your pet has received anesthesia medication today, please offer a small amount of water at home before offering a normal dinner. It can be normal for your pet to not eat for 24 hours after anesthesia.

7. If you note poor appetite, poor energy level, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive discomfort, or any concerns with the incision site specifically, please have your pet rechecked with a veterinarian.

8. Please give medication as prescribed. Cats receive an injection for pain management that lasts for 3 days.

If you are questioning whether you should go to an Emergency Vet post-surgery, https://vettriage.com/ is a great resource to guide your decision. The cost is $50 for an online video visit.