Preparing Your Dog’s Recovery Area

If you’ve decided to pursue dog cruciate ligament surgery, check out these tips to prepare your dog for surgery. It’s best to prepare your dog’s recovery area before he comes home from surgery.

Your Dog’s Recovery Area

The first several days (day 1 to day 6) are the toughest so prepare a comfy and enclosed area for your dog. It’s best to place your dog’s recovery area in the living room where the family spends the most time so you can keep a close eye on his recovery. If you’re lucky to have your bedroom on the first floor, as walking up and down the stairs is a no-no, add an additional area next to your bed. If not, take a look at the tips below.

Choose a Quiet Location

If you have young children or several other dogs, choose a quieter area where you can still monitor your dog’s recovery. If needed, you can block off an area to prevent young children or other dogs from peeking in and disrupting your post-op dog.

Gates (Enclosed Area)

When you’re home, an enclosed area with freestanding gates are extremely helpful. Your dog can stretch out under your supervision. When setting up an enclosed area, choose foldable gates that are sturdy. The metal ones can be easily knocked over while a post-op dog tries to turn around. Personally, I recommend North States Industries Superyard In-Out 8 panel gates for larger dogs. For medium and smaller dogs, the 6 panel version is recommended. North States gates are made of plastic with wider panels, which withstands bumping and pushing, meaning it will not fall over. Plus, the panels have non-slip pads, which prevent scratching of hardwood floors. And the icing on the cake is the price ranges between $60 to $80 — a bargain!

Crates (A Must-Have)

Crates are still a must, especially when you are away from home, because your dog should keep movement to a minimum during the first few days. If your dog is crate trained, continue to use his regular crate. My dogs have a larger crate (1 size up from their normal crate size) for extra room, which can be helpful for post-surgery dogs to turn around. Plastic and wire crates work fine, but I would not recommend fabric crates since they are unsteady and can easily flip over.

RELATED: Crate Training

Bedding

Cover the enclosed area with a padded and non-slip rug. This prevents chances of slipping during recovery. During the first few days, add an easily washable bed, which makes things much easier when accidents happen. The same goes for your dog’s crate. Add a non-slip rug and then an easily washable bed.

Towels

Keep a stack of towels close by to wipe up water spills, vomit and accidents. In a pinch, you can use a towel as a sling.

Before you know it, your dog will be putting weight on his leg and recovery will fly by!

READ ALSO: Dog Cruciate Ligament Surgery

Preparing for Your Dog’s Recovery

This is a part we forget ourselves. Overall, our dogs recover faster than we do so set an area up for you too. Since dogs recovering from cruciate ligament surgery should not use stairs, you may need to sleep downstairs with your dog. Your dog will need you because he’s scared, in pain, have limited movement and a bit out of it due to pain medication so plan to stay close.

What You’ll Need

Purchase or gather these items at least a week before surgery, if possible:

Blow up mattress

If your bedroom is upstairs, this means your dog needs to remain downstairs as stairs are a no-no. Purchase a blow up mattress and place next to your dog’s crate in an enclosed area. Don’t forget to purchase sheets and pillows. You’ll need your rest so have a comfy spot right next to your dog, which will comfort you both.

Small lamp next to your blow up mattress

Trust me, you’ll wake up in the middle of the night panicked even though nothing is wrong. Placing a small lamp next to your bed allows you to check in with minimal disruption to your dog. Once you realize all is good, turn it off and get some rest.

Sound machine

I love using sound therapy for calming stressed dogs (and people). It’s so effective. Plus, some dogs whine due to pain medications. Sound machines will keep you close to her while ensuring you get some sleep too.

RELATED: Calming Music for Dogs

Groceries

Purchase enough food and snacks for 7 days. The last thing you should worry about is grocery shopping. Also, as a backup, find a few restaurants that deliver to your area.

What to Do

Take a few days off

If possible, taking a few days off from work will make your life so much easier. If this is not an option, request a surgery day before a weekend. Most cruciate ligament surgery patients will stay overnight so plan on picking your dog up on Friday and spending Saturday and Sunday with her. As mentioned before, the first few days are the toughest. Ask dog-savvy friends or experienced dog sitters to stay with your dog while at work at least for the first week or so.

Join Orthodogs on Facebook

You’ll need moral support from folks who have been through the same thing. I adore Orthodogs. They will be there for you in the middle of the night and calm you when you’re in tears. Plus, they cheer you on during positive milestones!

Mentally prepare yourself

Prepare yourself mentally before surgery. Your dog’s affected leg will be shaved and there will be a decent size incision along her knee. Usually, the day after surgery, you’ll notice bruising, which can last for 5-6 days. Also, your dog will zone out. She’s taking a large amount of pain medication now so she’ll likely stare off, vocalize more and seem restless. Cruciate ligament surgery is a major surgery so most people spend a week in the hospital.

Get some sleep now

Instead of hovering over your dog now, get some rest. Trust me, there will be plenty of time for hovering after surgery so get your much needed rest now.

You will cry. We all do so be kind to yourself and know many folks have been through this with their dogs too. Hugs for a speedy recovery!

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