Post-Operative Rehab Care For Dogs – what is it and how can we help?
Post-Operative Rehab Care At We Love Dogs Resort
Did you know that we have two Resorts? Along with Dogs Country Club and Kennel Resort in Baxter, we are lucky enough to offer our guests a second luxury Resort. We Love Dogs Resort is locate a short 15 minute from from Dogs Country Club, in Pearcedale. At this location we specialise in the care of Small Breeds, Golden Oldies, guests with Advanced Medical Needs and Post-Operative Rehab Care for guests of all ages and sizes. Let’s dive into exactly what that means!
💛 What is Post-Operative Rehab Care at We Love Dogs?
Once your dog has completed their surgery at the vet and is ready to be discharged into your care, this is where We Love Dogs can step in to help.
Regardless of the type of surgery your dog has had, we can accommodate them. Most dogs recovering from surgery need to be isolated from other dogs, have restricted movement, attend follow-up specialist appointments, receive medication, and be closely monitored.
All of these needs can be challenging to manage at home, especially if you have other dogs or work outside the house. We can take care of all of this (and more!) for your dog.
Our loving team of Doggy Doaters will manage all required home-style post-operative rehab care right here at the Resort, including transportation to and from any necessary vet or specialist appointments.
We work in close communication with your vet, surgeon, or specialist to follow your dog’s ongoing treatment plan. This may include:
- Confinement
- Exercises, physical therapy, and on-leash walks
- Medication administration at any time of the day or night
- Wound cleaning and bandage changes
- Transportation (to and from vet visits, specialists, or therapy sessions)
Our team monitors and keeps detailed daily notes for all post-operative guests. These notes are used to keep you and your vet updated on your dog’s progress. Notes include time stamps of feeding, medication, and exercise as well as recording when urine and bowel motions pass and if anything is out of the ordinary. With a senior staff member living onsite, all guests are attended to 24/7.
🛏️ What is the accommodation like for a dog in Post-Operative Care?
Our post-operative guests enjoy the comforts of our luxurious 7-star suites, each fitted with heating and cooling for year-round comfort. Every room is customised to suit the individual needs of your dog and their stage of recovery.
This ranges from crate confinement (for guests immediately post-ACL or spinal surgery, for example), to limited-movement spaces for dogs nearing the end of their recovery.
Guests are taken for short leash walks for toilet breaks throughout the day and night. These walks are gradually increased with vet approval based on recovery progress.
Each suite also features a TV for comfort, and mental stimulation is offered through puzzle toys, slow feeder bowls, and interactive food toys. Bedding is low to the ground for easy access, and slip-proof mats are placed on the floor.
We also have specially designed rooms with small undercover outdoor courtyards for dogs at the later stages of recovery. These allow for some free movement while still keeping safety a priority.
🚐 Transport and Vet Visits
Our K9 Limousine Service is available for all post-operative guests. Your dog can be safely collected from your home at the start of their stay and returned at the end. They’ll travel in their own secure crate and be lifted in and out by our Doggy Doaters—no jumping required!
If your dog has follow-up vet visits, specialist appointments, or needs therapies like hydrotherapy, Bowen therapy, or acupuncture, one of our team members can accompany them. We’ll transport your dog, attend the appointment with them, and bring them safely back to the Resort.
You’re also always welcome to attend any appointments and meet us there so you can be involved in your dog’s recovery process.
🐶 Can I visit my dog during their post-operative stay?
We understand that being away from your dog is hard – especially when they’ve just had surgery and you’re at home without them.
While we absolutely welcome dog owners to visit their pets during recovery, we do assess this on a case-by-case basis.
Here’s why: If your dog has stayed with us before, they may associate seeing you with going home. When you visit and then leave without them, it can cause confusion or stress. Stress is the last thing we want to add to a post-operative guest’s day, as it can slow their recovery.
Some dogs, however, handle visits just fine and settle back in easily. That’s why we assess each situation individually and always keep an open line of communication with you. If a visit seems beneficial, we’ll gladly welcome you.
💌 Reach Out Anytime
If you ever find yourself in a situation where your dog requires surgery and you’re unsure or unable to manage post-operative care at home, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
We’re here to answer all your questions and would love to welcome you down for a tour of our Resort to see what we offer for our post-operative guests.
