Taking your dog in for surgery – no matter how "small” -- is stressful. But there are things you can do ahead of time to reduce anxiety and upset for both you AND your dog.
To make sure your dog is ready, get bloodwork ahead of time and any x-rays that your veterinarian recommends to check for heart problems and other important medical issues.
To make sure that YOU are ready, make sure that you:
- Know when your dog is last allowed to eat before surgery (and stick to it)
- Know what time to drop your dog off
- Have an estimate of the cost (and when it needs to be paid)
- If your dog is on meds or supplements, ask if they can be given the day of the surgery
- Have a cone or bodysuit on hand for your dog to protect the incision after surgery
Veterinary technician Kate Basedow discusses these tips and more to be sure that you and your dog are both ready for surgery day. Also read the companion article on our site: https://www.dogcancerblog.com/articles/full-spectrum-cancer-care/conventional/surgery/getting-your-dog-ready-for-surgery/
Links & Resources Mentioned in Today’s Show:
- The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity by Dr. Demian Dressler and Dr. Susan Ettinger - https://dogcancerbook.com/
Recommended Elizabethan collars (cones)*:
- Clear Custom Collar secured with Velcro, like the Supet Dog Cone - https://amzn.to/3C2AH7d
- ConTech ProCone Soft Recovery Collar
- The Original Comfy Cone
Recommended Surgery Suit*:
- Suitical Recovery Suit for Dogs - https://amzn.to/3DUtZ3C
*As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases.
About Today’s Guest, Kate Basedow, LVT:
Kate Basedow grew up training and showing dogs, and her passion for canines has affected all parts of her life. She earned a BA in English from Cornell University and an AAS in Veterinary Science from SUNY Delhi, and is a licensed veterinary technician in the state of New York. Her writing on dog-related topics has earned numerous awards from the Dog Writers’ Association of America and the Alliance of Purebred Dog Writers. Kate currently serves and adores two Belgian Tervuren and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
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For episode notes, resources, guest bios and a transcript, please visit https://dogcanceranswers.com/
Helpful Resources:
To join the private Facebook group for readers of Dr. Dressler’s book “The Dog Cancer Survival Guide” go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogcancersupport/
Dog Cancer News is a free newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit http://bit.ly/dcn_yt
