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PET CARE

Prepare for Surgery. Support a Safe Recovery.

Use these pre- and post-surgery reminders from Spay Oklahoma’s current care guidance. Always follow the instructions your clinic team gives you for your individual pet.

A dog recovering comfortably after veterinary care
NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY

Help your pet arrive ready.

  1. Keep an outdoor pet indoors the evening before surgery.
  2. For animals over four months old, the current guidance says to withdraw food at midnight.
  3. Pediatric animals four months or younger should have food available until 6:00 AM.
  4. Do not withdraw water before surgery.
WHAT TO BRING

Use a safe carrier or leash.

  • Cats must arrive in clean pet carriers, one cat per carrier.
  • Dogs must be controlled on a leash or in a clean carrier.
  • A muzzle is required if a dog is not good-natured around other dogs, cats, or people.
  • Give your dog a walk before arrival.
AFTER SURGERY

Quiet rest and activity limits matter.

Spay Oklahoma’s current aftercare guidance says pets may be groggy for 18–24 hours after anesthesia and should have a quiet, secure place to recover.

The healing process takes about 14 days. Running, jumping, playing, swimming, bathing, grooming, and other strenuous activity should be limited during recovery.

Watch for signs that need attention

  • Pale gums
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Discharge or bleeding from the incision
  • Difficulty urinating or labored breathing
  • Decreased appetite or lethargy lasting more than 24 hours

Contact Spay Oklahoma promptly with post-operative concerns and use the aftercare phone information provided at checkout.

Incision site

Check the incision daily for excessive redness, swelling, discharge, blood, or opening. Do not apply topical ointments unless instructed.

Food & water

Reintroduce water and food gradually. Appetite should return over the first day after surgery.

Activity

Keep pets indoors and limit movement during the 14-day recovery period. Dogs should have short leash walks only.

When in doubt

Follow the written discharge instructions and contact the clinic using the aftercare system provided at checkout.

READY FOR THE NEXT STEP?

Review services and request your pet’s appointment.

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