What To Do After Your Dog or Cat's Had a Sedation Or Anaesthesia

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Your pet has received sedation and/or a general anaesthetic today. While most pets recover smoothly, careful monitoring at home is important during the first 24 hours.

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The following information complements any specific instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have any concerns before your appointment, please contact our team on 07 3216 0045.

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RECOVERY AT HOME

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Many pets will be sleepy, quieter than normal, or slightly uncoordinated after returning home.

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For a safe recovery:

• Keep your pet indoors in a warm, comfortable, and quiet environment.
• Allow plenty of uninterrupted rest.
• Restrict activity until fully alert and coordinated.
• Supervise closely around stairs, slippery floors, and elevated surfaces.

 

Some pets may vocalise more than usual, appear restless, or seem temporarily disoriented as the anaesthetic wears off. These effects generally resolve by the following day.

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FOOD & WATER

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Once settled at home:

• Offer a small drink of water.
• If no vomiting occurs, provide approximately half of [patient_name]'s usual evening meal.
• A reduced appetite tonight is common following sedation or anaesthesia.
• Avoid rich foods, treats, bones, or dietary changes.
• Resume normal feeding tomorrow unless advised otherwise.

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Please give any prescribed medications exactly as directed.

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If vomiting, diarrhoea, severe lethargy, facial swelling, or any unusual reaction occurs after medication administration, contact the clinic promptly.

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EXERCISE RESTRICTIONS

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For pets that have undergone a procedure or surgery:

• Rest is essential for proper healing.
• Running, jumping, chasing balls, rough play, and off-lead exercise should be avoided.
• Short lead walks for toileting purposes only are recommended unless your veterinarian has advised differently.
• Continue activity restriction for the period recommended for your pet's procedure.

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WOUND CARE

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If surgery was performed:

• Check the surgical site every day.
• Mild bruising may occur, but significant redness, swelling, discharge, bleeding, or wound opening should be assessed by a veterinarian.
• Prevent licking or chewing of the wound at all times.

If your patient has been fitted with an Elizabethan collar (cone), inflatable collar, or recovery suit, it should remain in place until advised otherwise by our veterinary team.

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WATER & BATHING

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To reduce the risk of infection:

• Do not allow bathing, swimming, or soaking of the surgical area until healing is complete.
• Use a damp cloth for spot cleaning if required.

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FOLLOW-UP CARE

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If non-dissolvable skin sutures have been placed, please arrange a recheck appointment for removal approximately 10 days after surgery unless otherwise advised.

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LEG BANDAGE

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A small pressure bandage may have been applied to a front leg following intravenous catheter placement.

If present, please remove this bandage approximately two hours after arriving home.

 

SEEK VETERINARY ADVICE IF YOU NOTICE:

• Persistent vomiting
• Severe lethargy or collapse
• Difficulty breathing
• Pale gums
• Ongoing bleeding
• Significant wound swelling
• Loss of appetite extending beyond 24 hours
• Any concerns about your pet's recovery

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If you are worried about your pet at any stage, please contact Fortitude Valley Vet for assistance. Early intervention is always preferable if something does not seem right.

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Please call Fortitude Valley Vet on 07 3216 0045. Our veterinarians and nurses are always happy to help.

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Fortitude Valley Vet is an independently owned Brisbane veterinary clinic providing affordable, high-quality veterinary care to pets from Fortitude Valley, Newstead, Teneriffe, New Farm, Paddington, Kelvin Grove, Hamilton, Bowen Hills, Spring Hill and nearby suburbs. Whether you are searching for a vet near Fortitude Valley, a cat vet in Paddington, or a dog vet near Newstead, our experienced team is here to help.

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Written by:

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Dr Nic Cher, BVMS - Australia's Truisted Veterinarian

Pet Longevity, Preventative Health & Owner Preparedness Advocate