How to Care for a Puppy After Surgery for a Bowel Obstruction

It's scary for an owner when a young puppy has had to undergo major abdominal surgery. Often the worry and concern don't end once the pup is home from the animal hospital because the owner needs to handle the surgical aftercare. Your veterinarian won't release the puppy until he's sure you can handle your dog's recovery, but depending on your dog's personality, recovering from major surgery, like correcting a bowel obstruction, can be easy --- or it can be frustratingly difficult.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog crate
  • Blanket
  • Towel
  • Medications
  • Elizabethan collar (optional)
  • Cooked rice
  • Cooked chicken
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your puppy quiet. The first day you bring your puppy home, it may still be woozy from the anesthetic, so getting it to rest and sleep won't be a problem. After that, you will need to make sure your pet stays quiet and does not engage in normal tumble-and-play activity. Put the puppy in a crate just large enough for the puppy to stretch out and sleep in. Place the crate in a quiet, low-traffic area of the house and make sure your puppy spends a lot of time in there for a few days. Pad the bottom of the crate with an old towel or blanket so your puppy is warm and comfortable.

    • 2

      Follow medication instructions. Your vet may send you home with antibiotics or other post-surgery medication for your puppy. Follow the dosing instructions exactly.

    • 3

      Buckle on an Elizabethan collar. If your puppy is licking the bowel incision area, you will need to put your dog in a plastic Elizabethan collar to prevent the puppy from being able to reach --- and tear out --- its stitches.

    • 4

      Offer a mild diet. Your puppy may not be very hungry after bowel surgery. Cook some rice and bake chicken without seasoning for your puppy for the first few days after it comes home. Feed smaller amounts than usual. If your puppy refuses to eat after being home for two days, consult with your veterinarian.

    • 5

      Watch the incision site. Carefully examine the incision site at least two times a day to check for swelling, redness or discharge, as they could be signs of infection. Take your puppy to the veterinarian immediately if you see any of these symptoms.