Lesson 101: How to ensure the recovery of an animal that has undergone surgery?

Having your pet come home after surgery is stressful. Between movement restrictions, medication, and managing rest, recovery can seem like a mountain to climb.

But don't panic! With a few simple tips that we will share with you in this article, you will become the master of post-operative discharge and offer your companion the best conditions for a quick and safe recovery.

Medication and complete rest: the key to success

The golden rule after orthopedic surgery (such as a TPLO – tibial plateau leveling osteotomy ) is complete rest . In short, this means limiting your pet's activity to walking, and always on the same floor.

The activities to avoid are therefore:

• Jumping (including onto the sofa and the bed),

• The race,

• The stairs are not actively supervised by the owners.

• Supported play, which includes interactions with other animals.

These sudden movements can compromise healing, especially after orthopedic surgery where a bone is weakened and stabilized using surgical implants such as a plate and screws . A sudden movement could damage these implants and require further surgery.

Fortunately, our Coupez team provides everything you need to ensure your pet's comfort and safety during this time:

• Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications to alleviate pain,

• Antibiotics for just a few days to manage the risk of surgical site infections

• And sometimes, a mild sedative to help very energetic animals comply with the recommendations for complete rest.

Thanks to this care and your vigilance, your companion will be able to rest peacefully , while maintaining an excellent level of well-being during its convalescence.

Mental stimulation: channeling energy differently

Active animals, such as Labradors or Beagles, can find a lack of physical activity difficult. Fortunately, there are many ways to stimulate their minds without physical exertion .

Some ideas tested and approved by the Coupez team:

• 🥚 The Surprise Egg Carton : Hide treats in an empty egg carton. Make a few holes or leave it slightly open if your pet is a beginner. Add pieces of paper or other inanimate objects to increase the level of difficulty!

• 👃 Scent game : hide treats in a room and let your dog find them; perfect for stimulating breeds with a keen sense of smell.

• 🧸 Change of environment : move his bed or toys to pique his curiosity. Place a small treat there so he associates this game with fun!

• 🍽️ Interactive bowls and enrichment toys : feed your pet differently during their recovery! It's an excellent way to keep them occupied during mealtimes and prevent boredom on a daily basis.

⚠️ Quick safety reminder : always supervise your pet during these activities to avoid any risk of choking. Also, remember to adjust their food ration to prevent weight gain during rest periods.

A budding genius: gentle and useful learning

Convalescence is also the perfect time to strengthen the bond with your companion! You can teach them simple commands that don't require large movements:

• The rest ",

• The "give",

• The "touch" or desensitization to the touch of the paws , which is also very useful for nail trimming!

These activities will stimulate your pet's mind and strengthen your bond , creating a positive dynamic during their recovery. The secret? Always focus on positive reinforcement (treats, petting, encouragement).

The Cut approach: care, support and kindness

At Coupez , one of our core values is to offer the best surgical and post-operative care to our patients, while equipping their humans to navigate this demanding period with confidence.

We know that post-operative leave is often the most stressful phase for pet owners. That's why our team supports you every step of the way:

• Personalized advice,

• Rigorous post-surgical monitoring

• Quick answers to your questions,

• And tips to keep your pet calm and happy.

Remember: recovery is only temporary . These few weeks of medication, rest, and attention will allow your pet to regain strength, mobility, and quality of life … for many years of play and companionship by your side.