Leaving a dog alone after surgery is often a concern for pet owners. Dogs require extra care and supervision in the days and weeks following a medical procedure to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. However, with the right preparations and precautions, it may be possible to leave your dog alone for short periods of time during their recovery.
How long after surgery can a dog be left alone?
There is no definitive timeframe for when a dog can be left alone after surgery. The appropriate time to leave your dog alone will depend on several factors:
- Type of surgery/procedure performed
- Overall health status of the dog
- Activity level/temperament of the dog
- Type of confinement required (crate, small room, etc.)
- Risk factors present (age, obesity, other medical conditions)
For minor surgeries like spays, neuters, and dental cleanings, dogs may only need supervision for the first 12-24 hours after coming home from the vet. More involved surgeries like orthopedic procedures, tumor removals, and intestinal surgery may require supervision for several days to weeks.
Ultimately, your veterinarian will provide guidance on when your specific dog can be left unattended based on their procedure and individual factors. Follow your vet’s recommendations closely.
Preparing to leave your dog alone after surgery
If your vet gives the OK to leave your dog alone for short periods, there are important steps to take first:
- Set up a safe, confined area – Keep your dog in a crate, small room, or penned off area when alone to prevent wandering and limit activity.
- Remove stairs/steps – Block off access to stairs, steps, furniture, beds, etc. to prevent falls or jumping.
- Provide bedding/pads – Line the floor with pee pads, bedding, or waterproof mats in case of accidents.
- Offer food/water – Provide access to water and appetizing food during the time alone.
- Give medication – Administer any prescribed medication before leaving as directed by your vet.
- Take for potty break – Take your dog outside to relieve themselves before isolating.
It’s also wise to set up cameras or pet monitors so you can check in on your dog remotely if leaving for extended periods.
Factors to consider before leaving your dog alone after surgery
When deciding if a post-op dog can be left alone, consider:
- Risk of infection – Are clean bandages, incisions, and sutures at risk if unsupervised?
- Medication schedule – Does your dog need medication administered at specific times?
- Dietary needs – Does your dog need assistance eating or special feedings?
- Chewing/licking – Will your dog excessively lick or chew its incision if left alone?
- Activity restrictions – Is your dog likely to overexert itself if unsupervised?
- Potty needs – Will your dog have frequent accidents if it can’t get outside?
If any of these risks are a concern, it’s best to arrange for a pet sitter or dog walker to look after your dog even for brief periods.
Ideal short timeframes for leaving a post-op dog alone
When leaving your post-op dog briefly, good timeframes to aim for are:
- Less than 4 hours for the first 2 weeks after surgery
- 4-6 hours, 2-4 weeks after surgery
- 6-8 hours, 1-2 months after surgery
- Up to 10 hours, 2+ months after surgery
Build up time alone gradually as your dog recovers. If they show signs of stress, confinement anxiety, or exhibit any worrying symptoms when left, shorten periods alone and call your vet.
Signs your post-op dog may not be ready to be alone
Watch for these signs your dog is not yet ready for solitude after surgery:
- Excessive barking, whining, pacing
- Destructive chewing or clawing at confinement area
- Escape attempts from confinement
- Eliminating indoors frequently
- Ignoring food and water when left alone
- Aggression or unusual behavior
- Lethargy, weakness, or vomiting
Dogs displaying stress or health concerns should be seen by a vet and require additional supervision during recovery.
Providing post-op care when you must leave dogs alone
If it’s unavoidable to leave a post-op dog briefly, be sure to provide:
- Comfortable, clean bedding – Cushion their confinement area to keep your dog resting.
- Prescription medications – Give all prescribed meds before departing.
- Elizabethan collar if needed – Prevent licking or chewing at surgery sites.
- Fresh water and food – Keep water topped off and provide wet food to encourage eating.
- Mental stimulation – Offer chew toys, food puzzles, calming music.
- Potty break – Take your dog outside right before you leave.
Also consider hiring a pet sitter or walker to briefly check in if you’ll be gone for more than 4-6 hours at a time in the first couple weeks post-surgery.
Activities to avoid when leaving dogs alone after surgery
When leaving a dog home alone after surgery, do not allow them to:
- Run, jump on furniture, or climb stairs
- Play roughly, wrestle, or tug on toys
- Go outside off-leash or unsupervised
- Have access to their stitches/incision
- Be in the presence of other unrestrained pets
- Ride in vehicles or be transported anywhere
Restrict activity, excitement, and access to hazards until cleared by your veterinarian to prevent recovery setbacks.
Signs of a problem when leaving a post-op dog alone
Watch for these red flags of an issue upon returning home:
- Unusual behavior – Aggression, vocalizing, depression, lethargy
- Evidence of escape attempts – Scratched doors, moved barriers
- Excessive urination/defecation – Multiple accidents indoors
- Destroyed bedding/objects from chewing or scratching
- Missing or disturbed bandages
- Bleeding, swelling, or discharge at incision site
- Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite
- Visible pain or lameness
If any of these occur, call your vet right away as your dog may need additional medication, restraint, or medical attention.
Using pet cameras to monitor post-op dogs when leaving them
Pet cameras and monitors allow you to remotely check in on your dog when unable to be there in person. Features to look for include:
- Live video feed you can view on your phone
- Motion and sound alerts
- Two-way audio so you can talk to your dog
- Night vision and wide-angle views
- Cloud storage of footage
- Compatibility with smartphones and tablets
High-quality pet cameras give peace of mind and allow you to check on incisions, appetite, and overall recovery progress when away. They are especially helpful for monitoring dogs left alone soon after surgery.
Arranging alternative post-op dog care if unable to be home
If you work long hours or travel and cannot personally supervise your dog after surgery, options include:
- Pet sitting by a friend, family member, neighbor, or professional sitter
- Doggy daycare (restrictions may apply post-surgery)
- In-home dog boarding or overnight pet sitter
- Having your dog stay with a friend or relative
- Rehabilitative boarding at your vet’s office
Hiring an individual pet sitter to care for your dog in your home is often a convenient, affordable option that can provide quality one-on-one attention and medication administration.
How long should someone check on your post-op dog?
When arranging post-op care for your dog in your absence, a good rule of thumb is to have someone check in:
- Every 4-6 hours for the first 2 weeks after surgery
- Every 6-8 hours for 2 weeks to 2 months post-op
- Every 8-12 hours after the first 2 months
During visits, your pet caregiver should monitor food/water intake, give any medications, take your dog to potty, check the incision, and watch for concerning symptoms. Frequency of visits can decrease as your dog recovers.
Finding a qualified pet sitter for your post-op dog
When selecting a pet sitter to check in on your dog after surgery, look for:
- Reputable company with licensed, bonded sitters
- Extensive experience caring for dogs
- Additional training in pet first aid
- Standard procedures for medical/surgical care
- Vet recommendation or approval
- Backup plan if a sitter can’t make it
- Ability to administer medications
Be sure to orient the sitter on your dog’s surgery aftercare, recovery needs, medication schedule, confinement area, off-limit activities, and emergency protocols.
Preparing a written post-op dog care plan for pet sitters
Provide detailed written instructions to any pet sitters caring for your post-surgery dog, including:
- Emergency vet contact info
- Date/type of surgery performed
- Medication names, dosages, schedules
- Dietary needs and feeding instructions
- Potty break frequency and limitations
- Confinement area and off-limit areas
- Permitted toys/chews to provide
- Prohibited activities like stairs, rough play
- Incidion check instructions and what to look for
- What signs or symptoms warrant urgent vet contact
Provide updates as care instructions evolve over your dog’s recovery. Thorough directions ensure consistency of care.
How to ease separation anxiety when leaving post-op dogs
To ease any separation stress for your post-surgery dog when left alone:
- Provide a comfortable, safe space with familiar bedding
- Give an engaging food puzzle or long-lasting chew before departing
- Leave the TV, radio, or white noise machine on for comfort
- Allow access to favorite toys
- Avoid emotional goodbyes and prolonged departures
- Return on a consistent schedule
- Reward calm, relaxed behavior
- Consult your vet about anti-anxiety medications if needed
Confine post-op dogs in smaller spaces to help them feel secure. Use calming aids to prevent destructive behaviors stemming from stress.
Conclusion
Leaving dogs alone after surgery requires careful planning, preparation, and monitoring. While dogs will ideally have round-the-clock supervision in the initial post-op period, it may be possible to leave them briefly as they recover – if given an appropriate confinement area, medication/care, pet cameras, and a responsible pet sitter checking in. However, any time away should be minimized in the first 2 weeks especially. Watch closely for separation anxiety, health concerns, or care lapses any time your post-operative dog is left unattended. With patience and the right precautions, you can ensure your dog remains safe and healing during the times you cannot be present.