Keeping Calm When Your Pet Needs Surgery
If your vet just mentioned the word “surgery,” you’re probably feeling a little anxious—and that’s totally normal. Whether it’s a routine spay/neuter or something more complex, handing your furry best friend over for a procedure can feel overwhelming. But take a deep breath—we’re here to walk you through what actually happens before, during, and after surgery, and how we keep things as stress-free (for both of you) as possible.
At Ansede Animal Hospital, our team treats every pet like family. We know how nerve-wracking this experience can be, so we make it our mission to deliver top-notch surgical care while keeping your pet safe, comfortable, and feeling loved.
Before Surgery: What You Need to Know
The lead-up to surgery is all about preparation. Our team will guide you through pre-op instructions, but here’s a general idea of what to expect:
Fasting the night before – Most pets need an empty stomach before anesthesia to avoid complications.
Bloodwork and exam – We’ll run pre-surgical labs and do a physical exam to make sure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia.
Questions? Ask away. We’re happy to answer anything—from how long the procedure takes to what time you should pick up your pup or kitty afterward.
During Surgery: Safety Comes First
On surgery day, we treat your pet with the same care we’d want for our own. Every surgical procedure at Ansede Animal Hospital includes:
Monitored anesthesia – Our trained staff closely monitors heart rate, oxygen levels, and vital signs.
Sterile environment – We follow strict surgical protocols to minimize risk and promote quick healing.
Pain management – From start to finish, we make sure your pet is kept comfortable with appropriate pain control.
You won’t be in the room, but rest assured, they’re in skilled, compassionate hands.
After Surgery: What Recovery Looks Like
Once your pet is out of surgery and waking up from anesthesia, we’ll give you a call with an update and go over post-op care. You’ll get written instructions, but here are the basics:
Limit activity – No zoomies or park trips for a while—your pet needs time to heal.
Keep the incision clean and dry – No baths until we give the green light.
Medications – We’ll send your pet home with any necessary pain meds or antibiotics.
Watch for red flags – We’ll tell you what signs to keep an eye on (like swelling or excessive licking).
And of course, if anything feels off, we’re just a phone call away.
Conclusion
Surgery may sound scary at first, but with a caring team and a solid recovery plan, most pets bounce back beautifully—and often faster than we expect! Whether it’s a simple procedure or something more serious, your pet’s safety and comfort are always our top priorities.
Want to learn more about our surgical services? Visit our page on Veterinary Surgery Services. Preparing for an appointment? Review our Veterinary Exams and Consultations. Looking for tips on long-term wellness? Check out our Pet Preventative Medicine. Have questions or need to schedule? Contact Us today—we’re here to help every step of the way.