Preparing Your Pet for Surgery
Everything you need for a safe, successful surgery, from traditional soft-tissue procedures to minimally invasive laparoscopic spay (LOVE Spay) for female dogs of any size. Below: how to prepare, what to expect on the day, and recovery care.
Reviewed by Dr. Steve Pelton, DVM · 26 years in practice
Honest about what we do
Surgeries we do (and don't) perform
Transparency about our surgical capabilities helps you understand what we handle in-house versus when we refer to trusted specialist partners.
Soft-tissue & routine procedures
Procedures we perform regularly for dogs and cats, with high proficiency and strong safety protocols.
Male neuters (any size) and traditional spays for cats and dogs up to 50 lb. For female dogs over 50 lb, we offer a minimally invasive LOVE Spay (laparoscopic), no size cutoff. (The LOVE Spay is for females only; male dogs are neutered, not spayed.)
Surgical removal of front claws with multimodal pain control.
Abdominal exploration for foreign bodies or internal issues.
Skin, subcutaneous, and intra-abdominal growths.
Cleanings and extractions that do not require dental X-rays.
Trauma or "happy tail" injuries.
Cancer, severe trauma, or congenital deformity.
Surgical removal of the spleen when medically indicated.
Procedures we refer to specialists
Complex procedures that need specialized equipment or advanced surgical training go to board-certified surgeons.
Cruciate (TPLO, TTA), fracture repair, hip or elbow procedures.
Any case requiring dental radiographs (we do not have dental X-ray equipment).
We no longer perform open spays on female dogs over 50 lb. Instead we offer our minimally invasive LOVE Spay (laparoscopic), a better option for big girls with no size cutoff. (LOVE Spay is for females only; male dogs are neutered, not spayed.)
CT, MRI, fluoroscopy, or intra-operative endoscopy requirements.
We keep close relationships with local specialty hospitals so your pet gets gold-standard care when an advanced procedure is needed.
Why this matters for you and your pet
Transparency
You'll know immediately whether we can help in-house or whether your pet would be safer with a specialty surgeon.
Safety first
By focusing on procedures we perform every week, we keep high proficiency, proper instrumentation, and optimal anesthesia protocols.
Continuity of care
Even when we refer, we coordinate records, imaging, and post-op follow-up so you always have a single point of contact.
Before the day
Pre-surgery checklist
- No food after 9 PM the night before surgery
- Water is okay to leave out
- Bring current medications your pet is taking
- Fill out surgery sheet beforehand
- Bring a comfort item (blanket or toy) for your pet
- Consider ordering an e-collar or recovery suit for post-surgery
The day of
Day of surgery
Here's what to expect when you bring your pet in.
Morning drop-off
Bring your pet in between 7am and 9am. We'll review the surgical plan and answer any last-minute questions.
Pre-surgical exam
Dr. Pelton performs a final examination and may recommend pre-surgical blood work if not already completed.
Status updates
We'll call you with updates during the procedure and when your pet is ready for pickup.
Recovery
Post-operative care
Proper home care is essential for healing.
First 24 hours
Keep your pet quiet and comfortable. Limit activity and provide a warm, quiet space for recovery.
Monitor the incision
Check the surgical site daily for swelling, discharge, or excessive redness. Keep the area clean and dry.
Pain management
Give prescribed pain medications as directed. Never give human pain relievers to your pet.
Activity restriction
Follow activity restrictions for 10-14 days. No running, jumping, or swimming until cleared by the vet.
When to call us immediately
Contact us right away if you notice any of these warning signs after surgery.
- Excessive bleeding or discharge from the incision
- Vomiting or diarrhea that persists
- Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours
- Difficulty breathing or excessive panting
- Lethargy that doesn't improve after 24 hours
- Signs of pain or distress
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
When will my pet be ready for pickup?
Most pets are ready for pickup the same day, usually after 1pm or 2pm at the latest. We'll call you when your pet is awake and ready to go home.
Will my pet be in pain?
We provide comprehensive pain management before, during, and after surgery. Your pet will receive appropriate pain medication to keep them comfortable.
When can my pet eat after surgery?
Offer a small amount of water 2-4 hours after returning home. If no vomiting occurs, offer a small meal 4-6 hours post-surgery.
When should I schedule a follow-up?
We typically schedule a recheck exam to monitor healing. Suture removal is usually 10 days post-op.
Ready to schedule your pet's surgery?
Our team is here to provide high-quality surgical care. Contact us to discuss your pet's needs and schedule a consultation.