Home again.
Now we heal.
Recovery continues after your pet leaves the clinic. A calm environment, careful observation and following your veterinary team’s instructions can help support your pet through the recovery period.
Recovery is part
of the procedure.
Your pet’s recovery depends on their individual health, the procedure performed and the veterinary plan provided for them. There is no single recovery timeline that applies to every patient. Use your discharge instructions as your primary guide and contact your veterinary team if anything is unclear.
One step
at a time.
Recovery is a process. Your veterinary team will tell you what applies to your pet and when different activities can safely resume.
Settle In
Give your pet a quiet, comfortable space and follow the instructions provided for their return home.
Keep Things Calm
Follow any activity restrictions provided by your veterinary team and create an environment where your pet can rest comfortably.
Pay Attention
Observe your pet’s general wellbeing and any areas your veterinary team specifically asked you to monitor.
Stay Connected
Attend any recommended follow-up appointments and contact your veterinary team if you have questions during recovery.
Gradual Return
Resume normal activities according to the guidance given by your veterinary team rather than assuming your pet is ready based only on how energetic they seem.
Follow the
instructions home.
Your discharge instructions are specific to your pet and their procedure. Keep them accessible during recovery and ask your veterinary team about anything you do not understand.
Give medications only according to the instructions provided by your veterinary team.
Follow the feeding and drinking guidance provided specifically for your pet.
Follow any instructions about movement, exercise, jumping or other activity.
Follow the instructions you were given about monitoring and caring for the procedure area.
Keep any recommended follow-up appointments and bring questions or observations with you.
How are they
doing today?
Use this simple visual checklist to remind yourself what you have observed. It is not a diagnostic tool. If something concerns you, contact your veterinary team.
Something doesn’t
seem right?
Recovery experiences vary. If your pet develops a change that concerns you, does not appear to be progressing as your veterinary team described, or you are unsure about an instruction, contact the veterinary team for advice.
or drinking
procedure area
in behaviour
medication
or comfort
worries you
Recovery isn’t
a race.
Your pet may seem eager to return to normal before their veterinary plan allows it. Follow the activity guidance provided for their procedure and individual recovery.
Rest
Create a calm environment and follow any activity restrictions provided.
Monitor
Continue observing your pet and keep track of anything you want to discuss.
Review
Attend recommended follow-up visits so recovery can be assessed appropriately.
Return
Return to normal activity according to veterinary guidance for your pet.
During
recovery.
Your pet’s discharge instructions should always take priority over general information.
About this guide
This guide provides general educational information and does not replace your pet’s discharge instructions, veterinary assessment or veterinary advice. Recovery needs and timelines vary according to the individual patient and procedure. Always follow the instructions provided by your veterinary team.
Recovery happens
one day at a time.
If you have questions about your pet’s recovery, medication, activity or discharge instructions, contact the First Pet veterinary team.