What to Expect & Aftercare Instructions
Vaccine Administration:
Vaccinations are an integral part of keeping your pet healthy. They prevent many illnesses and in doing so help avoid costly treatments. They also prevent diseases from being passed to other animals and even possibly humans.
After vaccination, it is usual for the pet to return home and return to normal activity, however, vaccinations stimulate the immune system, an inherently inflammatory process. It is considered normal in the first couple of days to experience
- pain at the injection site
- mild fever
- lethargy
- reduced appetite
- sneezing or other mild respiratory signs 2-5 days after receiving an intranasal vaccine
- a small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the vaccination site. It should resolve within a couple of weeks. If it persists or gets larger a recheck may be warranted.
Occasionally a reaction may be severe and require medical attention. The following symptoms, although rare, can be part of an anaphylactic reaction that could potentially be life-threatening and the pet should be seen immediately.
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Facial Swelling
- Hives
- Difficulty Breathing
- Collapse
Any symptoms should be discussed prior to vaccination so a proper plan and prevention of future reactions can be instituted.
Spay/Neuter Aftercare Instructions:
You will be given personalized surgical discharge instructions at the time of pick up but here is some general aftercare information-
- Your pet may be sleepy or depressed the evening following the procedure. Vocalizing and/or whining are not uncommon as the anesthesia subsides. Although this may be unsettling, you can be confident that your pet has received proper pain management.
- Your pet may have a decreased or no appetite initially. You can offer a small amount of food and water but it is not abnormal if there is no interest. Your pet’s appetite should return by the following day. Anesthesia can sometimes cause nausea often displayed through drooling. If your animal exhibits signs of nausea at the clinic, they will likely be treated.
- Do not allow your pet to lick at the incision(s). If they are doing so, they will need an e-collar.
- Leash walk only/limit activity 10-14 days post-surgery. If your pet is too active swelling under the incision (female) or swelling of the scrotum (male) may develop.
- Check the incision(s) twice daily for 14 days. A small amount of redness, inflammation or bruising might initially be observed but should soon resolve. The incision should appear dry. If there are any concerns including but not limited to excessive swelling or drainage, a recheck may be warranted.
- Give oral pain medications as directed. This will prevent discomfort and aide in healing.
- Unless told otherwise, it is okay to bathe your pet as soon as the following day, taking care to avoid soaking the incision.
- Metabolic demands decrease by at least 25% after spaying or neutering. Please keep this in mind when feeding to avoid obesity.
If there are any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the office.
Dental Aftercare Instructions:
You will be given personalized dental discharge instructions at the time of pick up but here is some general aftercare information:
- Your pet may be sleepy or depressed the evening following the procedure. Vocalizing and/or whining is not uncommon as the anesthesia subsides. Although this may be unsettling, you can be confident that your pet has received proper pain management.
- Your pet may have a decreased or no appetite initially. You can offer a small amount of food and water but it is not abnormal if there is no interest. Your pet’s appetite should return by the following day. Anesthesia can sometimes cause nausea often displayed through drooling. If your animal exhibits signs of nausea at the clinic, they will likely be treated.
- A soft diet will most likely be recommended for 2-14 days depending on extractions. This can be achieved by feeding a canned diet or simply moistening kibble with warm water.
- Injectable pain medication will be administered in the clinic if deemed necessary. Oral medication may also be sent home. Please use as directed to keep your pet comfortable and to aide in the healing process.
- Do not lift the lip or allow your pet to paw at their face for 14 days if extractions were performed.
If there are any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the office
Office Hours
Monday: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Friday - Sunday: Closed