what is causing your dog to vomit?

For many, the dog is not just a pet. It's a member of their family. If you feel the same way about your dog, it can be hard when they need surgery. You can ensure their surgery is a success, though, by considering these tips. 

1. Choose the Right Vet 

Your first priority for ensuring surgery success is choosing the right veterinary clinic. Not all are created equal, and you need to choose carefully by following a strict protocol. Ideally, you want a vet that has specific experience dealing with the medical condition or problem your dog currently has.

You also want to visit multiple vets to compare their prices and to get an idea of different medical opinions. You may come to find out from several of the vets that surgery isn't required. You can thus save a lot of money and stress from a potentially extensive procedure.

2. Follow the Veterinarian's Pre-Surgery Instructions

You can ensure your dog's surgery goes smoothly by following the veterinarian's pre-surgery instructions exactly as stated. There are several common steps you'll be required to do. For example, it's often standard to not give your dog any food the day before surgery. You'll need to put their dog food up and avoid giving them any table scraps.

If your dog is having work done on their hips, you'll want to limit their activity and movement days leading up to their surgery. Most of the time, the veterinarian will give you a list of do's and don'ts for your dog so that you don't have to struggle to remember. 

3. Follow Up with Every Appointment 

No matter what type of surgery your dog is having, there will be several appointments before and after surgery. It's important that you show up to every one on time so that the veterinarian can make sure your dog is healthy pre-surgery and recovers properly afterward. 

These appointments are in place for a reason. Some are designed to test your dog's blood, while others check for conditions that could have an impact on the surgery's success rate. Then some appointments are strictly in place to remove stitches that were administered after the surgery was completed. Be sure to store these appointment dates in your phone, so you don't carelessly skip one.

Just because your dog is having veterinary surgical services performed by a veterinarian, doesn't mean you have to worry too much. You just need to make the right preparations before and after surgery.