🐾 Caring for Your Pet (and Yourself) After Surgery
What I’ve Learned as a Dog-Mom Through Surgical Recovery
My pup has been through more than her fair share of surgeries at only 3 years young. From experience, I can say that caring for a healing dog can be emotionally and physically intense. I wanted to share a few things I’ve learned, in case you ever find yourself in this tough-but-tender season with your own furry companion.
🩺 The Backstory
Before Navi (my sweet, tiny-legged dog) even turned two, she had undergone:
• Double knee surgery for medial patella luxation (MPL), with two follow-up surgeries
• Complicated oral surgery
• And of course, the standard spay surgery
Each came with its own recovery plan... and keeping a high-energy puppy still for more than five minutes? Nearly impossible.
😢 The Hardest One: MPL Surgery
Bringing Navi home after her double knee surgery was one of the hardest things I’ve gone through as a dog-mom. I cried... A lot.
Her kneecaps had been out of place more than 75% of the time, and surgery was the only way to give her a chance at a pain-free, active life. Watching her recover—quiet, tired, and so unlike her usual bright and bubbly self—was heartbreaking.
Now?
She zooms through the yard like she was born to fly. She’s playful, strong, and full of sparkle again.
The surgery changed her life. And I’d do it all again.
🐾 Gentle Tips for Post-Surgery Dog Care
(and staying grounded as their human)
If you’re navigating this season, here are a few things I learned that helped me care for Navi (and myself):
• Plan ahead. Align the surgery with a time when you can take time off or slow down. Recovery takes presence.
• Keep an eye on them. Monitor closely for pain, swelling, or changes in behavior. Trust your gut if something feels off.
• Ask questions. My vet allowed photo texting for quick concerns… so helpful!
• Get creative with administering meds. We tried pill pockets, cheese, pup cups… whatever worked that day.
• Use the cone. Even if it feels dramatic, don’t skip it. Navi got hers off one night and removed all her sutures… we ended up back at the vet for new stitches.
• Talk about it. Let other family members know what’s needed for your furry one during healing. Everyone being on the same page makes a difference.
• Make joy part of healing. Gentle cuddles, soft toys, calming music… it helps more than you think.
• Don’t forget to care for yourself. You’re doing a lot. It’s okay to cry. I sure did.
🌿 A Gentle Reminder
Sometimes healing looks like a sleepy dog in a donut cone, a million texts to your vet, and a heart that aches because you love them so much.
But it also looks like freedom on the other side. Sunny walks, playful wiggles and the return of your pup’s sparkle.
🌧️ Final Thoughts
So yes, it was hard. It was emotional. It was a lot of surgeries.
But now? I have my bright and bubbly pup back.
And she’s stronger than ever.
🌿 In the rain, we root. In the wild, we grow.
With love,
Margaux
