Helping Your Dog Heal: The First Two Weeks After Surgery
- Animals Only Team
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
SELF-CARE FOR YOUR BEST FRIEND
The first two weeks after surgery are some of the most important in your dog’s healing journey. Whether your pet has had orthopedic, spinal, or soft-tissue surgery, how you manage their recovery at home can make a big difference in their comfort, healing, and long-term mobility.
At Animals Only, we understand that post-surgery care can feel overwhelming — but with patience, structure, and the right approach, your dog will be on the path to feeling stronger and more comfortable every day.
💤 Creating a Calm Space for Recovery
Rest is your dog’s best medicine right now. For the first two weeks, it’s crucial to limit excessive or uncontrolled movement to allow tissues to heal properly.
Set up a quiet recovery area away from noise, stairs, or slippery floors. Use a crate, playpen, or small enclosed space to prevent jumping or running. Keeping things calm and predictable helps your dog relax — and rest is where the real healing happens.
📋 Following the Vet’s Plan — Every Detail Matters
Your veterinarian’s post-op instructions are your dog’s roadmap to recovery. Give all prescribed medications on time — especially pain relief — since comfort supports faster healing.
Keep an eye out for signs of complications, including:
Redness, swelling, or oozing near the incision
Excessive licking or biting at stitches
Loss of appetite or unusual fatigue
If anything seems off, contact your vet right away. Early action can prevent setbacks.
🚶♂️ Potty Breaks with Care
During the first two weeks, walks are for bathroom breaks only. Keep your dog on a short leash and guide them calmly outside. Avoid slippery ground, steps, or overly exciting environments.
If your dog struggles to walk, use a support sling or towel under their belly to assist them gently. For pets recovering from spinal or neurological surgery, a sling helps them stay upright without putting pressure on healing limbs.
🛏️ Keeping Them Comfortable at Home
Comfort is key. Set up a soft, supportive bed in a quiet spot and surround your dog with familiar blankets or toys.
If approved by your vet, you can use a cold compress to manage swelling in the first few days. Stick to a predictable routine — rest, medication, short breaks, and meals — to keep your dog feeling safe and settled.
.
🥣 Feeding for Healing
A well-balanced diet helps your dog regain strength. Offer fresh water and nutritious meals, but don’t worry if their appetite is low for 1-2 days post-op— anesthesia and medication can affect your dog’s appetite.
Hand-feeding or offering small, frequent meals can help. Avoid table scraps or rich foods that might upset their stomach. If you’re unsure what’s best, ask your vet for guidance.
🐾 Slow and Steady: Reintroducing Movement
Around the 1–2 week mark, your vet may allow short, controlled walks on a leash — starting with just a few minutes at a time.
Keep walks on flat, even ground and avoid rushing. For orthopedic patients, slow steps encourage proper weight-bearing. For cats, gradually reintroduce small areas of the home, but keep furniture and jumping spots blocked off.
Remember: slow progress is still progress.
❓What Type of Physical Therapy is Right for My Pet
Every pet’s recovery journey is unique — and the most effective results often come from an integrative pet rehabilitation approach. By combining different types of canine and feline physical therapy, we can reduce pain, improve mobility, and support your pet’s overall well-being. At Animals Only, our veterinary rehab team tailors each treatment plan to your pet’s condition, lifestyle, and goals.
Here are some of the most common types of integrative pet therapy we offer:
Hydrotherapy: Low-impact water exercise that strengthens muscles, supports joint health, and aids in post-surgery recovery.
Laser Therapy: Light-based treatment that helps decrease inflammation, relieve pain, and speed up healing.
Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques, including massage and joint mobilizations, to ease stiffness and improve range of motion.
Chiropractic Care: Gentle spinal adjustments that help restore alignment, relieve discomfort, and enhance your pet’s mobility.
Therapeutic Gym Exercises: Targeted activities that build strength, balance, and coordination for long-term stability.
Acupuncture: A holistic therapy that stimulates key points to relieve pain, boost circulation, and support healing.
Shockwave Therapy: Focused sound waves that promote tissue repair and relieve chronic or tendon-related pain.
Electrical Stimulation: Gentle pulses that reduce pain, improve blood flow, and help rebuild weakened muscles.
Each therapy plays a unique role in your pet’s recovery. At Animals ONly, we will help create a customized plan to help your pet move comfortably and live a healthier, happier life.
🩺 Conditions Commonly Treated with Laser Therapy
Laser therapy can help manage a wide range of veterinary conditions, including:
Osteoarthritis and joint disease
Soft-tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, or ligament damage
Post-surgical recovery for faster healing and pain control
Wounds and skin irritations, including burns, bites, or hot spots
Chronic inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
🌟 Key Takeaways for a Smooth Recovery
Keep your dog calm, quiet, and well-rested for the first two weeks.
Follow your vet’s post-op care plan closely, especially for medication and wound care.
Limit movement — short, on-leash toilet breaks only.
Introduce physical therapy early to speed up recovery and improve mobility.
Healing takes time, but you’re not alone in this process. The Animals Only team is here to support both you and your pet through every step of recovery — helping your best friend heal safely, comfortably, and confidently.
💬Want to learn more about what to expect in your pet's healing journey?
At Animals Only, we specialize in helping pets recover stronger and feel better faster. Our integrative rehab therapies are designed to relieve pain, restore movement, and support every step of your pet’s healing journey. Schedule a consultation to see how we can help your pet get back to their best.