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What to Expect After Your Dog’s Soft Tissue Surgery

What to Expect After Your Dog’s Soft Tissue Surgery

Soft Tissue

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Owners

Find out what to expect after your dog’s soft tissue surgery—recovery tips, incision care, feeding, rest, and signs that may need your vet’s attention

By 

Sustainable Vet Group

Updated on

July 14, 2025

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The First 24–48 Hours After Soft Tissue Surgery

The first two days after your dog’s soft tissue surgery are a critical part of recovery. This is when the body starts healing, and your dog adjusts to pain medicine and the effects of anesthesia. Knowing what to expect helps you stay calm and catch any problems early.

Here’s what’s normal during this time:

  • Grogginess or sleepiness: Many dogs sleep for long periods or seem out of it. This usually fades within 12 to 24 hours.
  • Mild coughing: The breathing tube used during anesthesia can cause a light cough for a day or two.
  • Low appetite: Your dog may not eat much after coming home. Offer small, soft meals and ensure water is available.

What to monitor closely:

  • Vomiting, diarrhea, or refusing food after 24 hours
  • Constipation or straining that lasts more than two days
  • Whining, panting, or signs of pain even after medication

Let your dog rest in a quiet space and call your vet if anything seems unusual.

Managing Pain and Medication

Managing pain is one of the most important parts of your dog’s recovery. After surgery, your vet will prescribe pain medicine and possibly antibiotics to support healing and prevent infection. Always follow dosing instructions exactly.

Here’s how to manage it safely:

  • Give all medications on schedule, even if your dog seems fine
  • Don’t skip doses or stop early without your vet’s advice
  • Use food or pill pockets to help with swallowing pills
  • Store meds in a safe, dry place, out of reach

If your dog refuses medication:

  • Hide pills in soft food like xylitol-free peanut butter
  • Ask your vet if a liquid version is available
  • Gently place pills at the back of the tongue if safe to do so

Never give over-the-counter pain relief or calming treats unless your vet says it’s safe. Many human medications are toxic to dogs. If your dog shows signs of pain like whining, shaking, or restlessness even after medication, contact your vet right away.

Taking Care of the Surgical Site

The incision area needs daily attention to ensure proper healing. While mild swelling or bruising is normal in the first few days, monitor the site closely.

What’s normal:

  • Light swelling, small scabs, or pink skin
  • Mild bruising around the stitches
  • A closed incision with no discharge

Watch for signs of infection:

  • Redness that spreads or deepens in color
  • Yellow or green discharge
  • A strong, unpleasant odor
  • Bleeding or loose stitches

How to check the site safely:

  • Gently lift fur to view the area without pulling skin
  • Keep your dog calm during checks using treats or soft voices
  • Avoid touching the incision unless instructed

Cleaning the area:

  • Only clean if your vet tells you to
  • Use vet-approved solutions and sterile gauze
  • Never apply alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or ointments unless advised

An e-collar or recovery shirt will help keep the area protected. Call your vet before trying any home treatment.

Keeping Your Dog Safe and Comfortable at Home

After surgery, your dog needs a quiet and safe place to rest. This helps healing and prevents injury.

Create a comfortable setup:

  • Choose a room away from noise, stairs, or other pets
  • Use soft, washable bedding on the floor
  • Keep water in a spill-proof dish
  • Use gates or doors to block off areas

Prevent licking or biting the incision:

  • Use a cone or recovery shirt at all times
  • Check that the collar fits properly and doesn’t rub the skin

Limit movement to prevent strain:

  • No jumping, running, or playing
  • Avoid stairs, couches, or beds
  • Use a short leash for bathroom breaks only

A crate or padded playpen works well for safe rest.

Feeding and Bathroom Habits

After surgery, appetite and bathroom habits may change. Anesthesia and pain medication can affect digestion and energy.

  • Offer small portions of food. Use a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice if your vet recommends.
  • Keep fresh water available and encourage slow drinking.

Watch for the following:

  • Low appetite for 24–48 hours is normal; report anything longer
  • Vomiting or diarrhea may occur once but should not continue
  • Constipation or straining due to pain or inactivity
  • Changes in urination, especially after abdominal or bladder surgery

If your dog has trouble walking, use a towel sling under the belly for support. Keep bathroom trips short and on-leash.

Emotional Recovery and Mental Stimulation

Healing is not just physical. Dogs may feel anxious, clingy, or confused after surgery. This behavior is common and usually improves with time.

Support emotional recovery:

  • Keep the environment calm and quiet
  • Use a simple daily routine with feeding and medication at the same time
  • Offer comfort items like soft blankets or a favorite toy (if approved)
  • Provide mental stimulation with puzzle toys or lick mats

Avoid physical games or rough play. Choose safe, low-energy activities to reduce stress and keep your dog gently engaged during crate rest.

Follow-Up Visits and Healing Timeline

Recovery is not complete until your vet confirms healing. Follow-up visits are important to monitor the incision, remove stitches, and check progress.

Typical timeline:

  • Day 1–2: Rest, pain management, reduced appetite
  • Day 3–7: Appetite returns; incision remains closed with minor swelling
  • Day 10–14: Vet recheck for stitches or wound check
  • After 2 weeks: Light walks and activity may resume if approved

Your vet will guide you on when to allow stairs, play, or off-leash time. Healing speed varies based on surgery type, age, and overall health.

When to Call the Vet: Warning Signs to Watch

Even with proper care, complications can happen. Know what to watch for and call your vet if you see any of the following:

  • Bleeding or discharge from the incision
  • Redness, swelling, or bad smell around stitches
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, or no eating for over 24 hours
  • Difficulty urinating or defecating
  • Panting, whining, or restlessness at rest
  • Unusual behavior not explained by medication

If your dog seems off in any way, do not wait. Early care prevents bigger problems.

Final Thoughts

Every dog heals at their own pace, depending on the surgery, age, and overall health. Your role at home makes a big difference in recovery.

Key reminders:

  • Stick to a calm routine
  • Check the incision daily
  • Give all medications on time
  • Limit movement until cleared by your vet

If anything concerns you, reach out to your vet. With care, rest, and patience, your dog will be on the path to full recovery.

FAQs

How long will my dog be in pain after surgery?

Most dogs feel sore for a few days. Pain medication helps. If your dog still seems uncomfortable after three days or shows signs like whining or shaking, call your vet.

When can I take my dog for a walk again?

Short bathroom walks on a leash are okay after a day or two. Longer walks or play should wait until your vet approves, usually after the incision is fully healed.

What should the incision look like as it heals?

Mild swelling or bruising is normal. The area should be closed, with no bad smell or pus. If the site looks worse instead of better, call your vet.

Is it okay if my dog is not eating much after surgery?

Yes. A reduced appetite for 24 to 48 hours is common. If your dog refuses all food or vomits more than once, contact your vet.

Can I bathe my dog after surgery?

No. Wait 10 to 14 days before bathing unless your vet says otherwise. Keeping the area dry helps prevent infection.

What if my dog keeps licking the stitches?

Licking can cause infection or pull out stitches. Use a cone (e-collar) or recovery shirt at all times unless supervised. If the cone seems uncomfortable, ask your vet about softer alternatives. Never allow even “a little” licking, as it can quickly damage healing tissue.

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