General Anesthesia and Recovery Instructions

Your pet can be fed a small meal following recovery from anesthesia after transport back to their home.

Your pet may not have much appetite tonight, so don’t worry if your pet doesn’t eat the night after being under general anesthesia.

You can provide a small amount of water or a few ice cubes. If vomiting occurs, withhold the water until the day after surgery. If it persists, please call the hospital.

On the day after anesthesia, resume your pet’s regular feeding schedule.

After 24 hours, your pet should be eating, urinating and defecating.

Do not change your pet’s diet at this time, and do not give your pet junk food, table scraps, milk or other people’s food during recovery, as this could mask post-surgical complications.

Your pet may be drowsy for 24 hours from the anesthesia. Some animals may shiver, have an upset stomach, and vomiting.

Lethargy lasting more than 24 hours post-op and continued diarrhea and/or vomiting is not normal, and you should call the hospital immediately.

It is essential to keep your pet warm and indoors the first night following surgery.

The first night home, keep your pet in a small confined area where they can easily be monitored.

Keep your pet away from other animals to minimize strenuous activity.