Recovery and Anaesthesia – What to Expect After Your Pet’s Procedure

When your pet undergoes anaesthesia for surgery or a medical procedure, their recovery doesn’t stop when they wake up. The first 24 hours after anaesthesia are an important time, and knowing what to expect can help you ensure your pet’s recovery is smooth and stress-free. Here’s what you need to know about caring for your pet at home after anaesthesia.

The First Few Hours After Bringing Your Pet Home

It’s normal for pets to be a little groggy or uncoordinated after anaesthesia. Their body is still processing the medications, and they may appear drowsy, wobbly or even slightly disoriented. To help them settle:

• Provide a quiet, warm and comfortable space away from noise and activity.

• Keep them away from stairs, furniture or anything they could fall from until they regain full coordination.

• Avoid handling them too much—let them rest.

Every pet responds to anaesthesia differently, so some may bounce back quickly, while others may take longer to return to their normal selves.

Eating and Drinking After Anaesthesia

It’s common for pets to have a reduced appetite after anaesthesia. Some may feel a little nauseous, so we recommend offering only small amounts of food and water at first. If your pet keeps this down, you can gradually return to their normal meal routine.

If your pet refuses to eat, try offering a bland meal, such as boiled chicken and rice. However, if they still don’t eat by the next day, or if they vomit after eating, contact us for further advice.

Toileting and Mobility

Anaesthesia can temporarily affect bladder and bowel function, so your pet may urinate less frequently or have an accident indoors. This is normal for the first 24 hours, but if your pet hasn’t urinated at all by the next day, call us immediately.

Some pets may also feel weak or unsteady on their feet, so keep toilet breaks short and supervised to prevent them from slipping or falling.

Pain Management and Medications

Your pet may have been given pain relief during their procedure, and our vets may prescribe additional medication for home care. It’s important to:

• Follow the dosage instructions carefully and give medications at the recommended times.

• Never give human painkillers, as these can be toxic to pets.

• Watch for any side effects, such as excessive drowsiness, vomiting or restlessness.

If you have concerns about your pet’s pain levels or their medication, call our team for advice.

Monitoring the Surgical Site (If Applicable)

If your pet has had surgery, checking the wound regularly is essential. The incision should be clean and dry, with minimal redness or swelling. Here’s what to do:

• Prevent licking or chewing by using an Elizabethan collar (cone) or a recovery suit.

• Check for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, discharge or a foul smell.

• Keep the wound dry—no baths or swimming until our vets gives the all-clear.

At the time of discharge, we may book a follow-up appointment in 7-10 days to check on wound healing and remove sutures if needed. Be sure to attend this visit, even if the wound looks fine, as internal healing is just as important as what’s visible on the surface.

Behavioural Changes to Expect

Anaesthesia and surgery can temporarily affect your pet’s behaviour. Some pets may be:

• Clingy and seeking extra attention.

• More vocal than usual.

• Restless or have trouble settling.

These changes are usually short-lived and resolve within a day. However, if your pet seems unusually distressed, contact us for advice.

The Next Day – What to Watch For

By the next morning, most pets are much brighter and ready to return to their normal routine. However, they may still need extra rest and limited activity, especially if they’ve had surgery.

If your pet is still extremely drowsy, refusing food or seems uncomfortable, contact us to book a follow-up check.

When to Contact the Vet

Call us if you notice:

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea.

• Extreme lethargy beyond the first day.

• Difficulty breathing or excessive panting.

• Bleeding, swelling or signs of infection at the surgical site.

Final Thoughts

Recovery after anaesthesia is usually smooth, but knowing what to expect can help you support your pet during this time. By following post-anaesthetic care instructions, monitoring their behaviour, and ensuring they rest properly, you’ll help them return to full health as quickly as possible.

If you have any concerns about your pet’s recovery, don’t hesitate to call us on (03) 9568 2211. We’re here to help ensure your pet’s healing process is as safe and comfortable as possible.