Pet Post-Op Recovery Supplies Checklist: Home Setup for Safer Healing

Post-op complications at home often start with predictable gaps: too much activity too soon, inconsistent medication timing, and missed incision changes. Most of those risks can be reduced by staging supplies before discharge day.

This checklist gives you a practical home-recovery setup for dogs and cats, including confinement planning, wound checks, and daily logging.

First 48-Hour Recovery Setup

Prepare these essentials before arrival:

• Quiet recovery zone: low-traffic area with stable temperature and low noise.
• Non-slip bedding: washable surface that reduces slipping on incision-sensitive movement.
• Water and food staging: easy access without climbing or long walking distances.
• Protective device readiness: e-collar or alternative device exactly as prescribed.

Recovery gets harder when setup starts after your pet is already home and stressed.

Confinement, Mobility, and Activity Controls

Use controlled movement rules to protect healing tissue:

1. Confinement area matched to species and procedure type.
2. Leashed bathroom breaks only for dogs unless your vet says otherwise.
3. No jumping zones and blocked furniture access.
4. Floor traction support in hallway and entry points.

“Seems better” is not the same as healed tissue. Keep activity limits until recheck clearance.

Incision Monitoring and Wound-Care Supplies

Build a simple incision-check kit:

• Clean lighting source for consistent visual checks
• Phone camera or notebook for same-angle daily photos/notes
• Gloves and approved cleaning supplies only if specifically prescribed
• Checklist for redness, swelling, heat, drainage, odor, and gap changes

Do not improvise topical products without veterinary instructions. Many home products delay healing.

Medication and Feeding Support During Recovery

Post-op medication routines usually include pain control, anti-inflammatory support, or antibiotics. Keep these controls:

• Use exact timing windows and check-offs for every dose.
• Record appetite before and after medication windows.
• Confirm whether medications require food or fasting windows.
• Escalate quickly if vomiting, severe sedation, or refusal patterns emerge.

For setup details, use our medication admin supplies checklist.

Daily Recovery Log: What to Record

Complication Red Flags and Escalation Plan

Contact your veterinarian urgently when you see:

• Incision opening, persistent bleeding, or foul-smelling drainage
• Repeated vomiting, no intake, or marked lethargy
• Breathing changes or collapse signs
• Uncontrolled pain behavior despite medication plan

Keep your clinic and emergency numbers on your recovery board and inside your transport kit.

Frequently Asked Questions