If your pet must stay in the hospital, ask about visiting. Many clinics allow owners to visit their pets at specific times. Talking to and touching your pet can decrease its stress.
When you bring your pet home, make sure you understand all care instructions:
You might need to restrict your pet's activity, use a crate, or keep the pet in a small room.
Give medications exactly as directed, and follow label instructions. Learn how to give pills or liquid medicines.
Change bandages as instructed and watch wounds or stitches for redness, swelling, or discharge. Usually, you should avoid bathing your pet until stitches are removed.
Be prepared to assist your dog outside for toileting, if necessary. You can use a harness with a handle or a towel as a sling to assist larger dogs that need help walking.
Monitor food and water intake. If needed, adjust your pet's diet within the vet's recommendations to encourage eating and drinking.
Monitor your pet's production of urine and feces. Be sure the animal is voiding its bladder and bowels regularly, and report anything abnormal to your vet.
Often a follow-up appointment is scheduled, but call the vet if problems arise or you have questions.
