Complete Recovery Guide After Orthopedic Surgery for Dogs in Mexico

You’ve made a bold, compassionate decision by choosing an orthopedic vet for your dog in Mexico. Whether it was a knee repair, hip procedure, or bone fracture, the hardest part — surgery — is over. Now comes the crucial phase: recovery. This is where your support at home truly determines how well your dog heals.

This guide is tailored for pet parents who’ve trusted clinics like Vet Playas for expert surgery in Mexico and want a step-by-step post-operative care plan. With the right strategy, supplies, and attitude, your pup can regain full mobility and return to the life they love — fetching, playing, running, and snuggling.

What Happens Right After Surgery?

Most procedures performed at facilities like Vet Playas are done under general anesthesia in sterile, modern surgical suites. After surgery, dogs are carefully monitored until they wake up. Most pets go home the same day or after an overnight observation, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

Expect your vet to provide:

• Detailed written instructions (often in English)
• Pain medication and antibiotics
• A surgical cone or inflatable collar
• Emergency contact for questions

Days 1–3: The Critical Window

The first 72 hours post-surgery are the most important. Your job is to monitor your dog’s comfort, pain levels, appetite, and surgical site. Here’s what to do:

• Keep Them Confined: Use a crate, pen, or small room with no stairs or slippery floors.
• Check the Incision: Look for redness, swelling, discharge, or signs of licking.
• Administer Medication: Stay on schedule, even if your dog seems “okay.”
• Offer Comfort: Soft bedding, calm voice, and low-stress environment help healing.

If your dog shows signs of distress, excessive swelling, or won’t eat for over 24 hours, contact the vet immediately. Clinics like Vet Playas typically respond quickly through WhatsApp or email.

Week 1: Restrict, Monitor, Repeat

During the first week, your focus remains on limiting movement and observing healing. Walking should be strictly limited to bathroom breaks on a leash. Avoid stairs, running, jumping, or roughhousing.

Pro tip: Use a sling under the belly for large dogs to help them move without straining the surgical leg.

Continue monitoring the incision site. Slight bruising is normal. But if it looks infected (hot, pus, bleeding), contact Vet Playas or your local vet right away.

Week 2: Stitch Removal and Mobility Check

Most dogs will return for stitch or staple removal after 10–14 days. If you're back in the U.S., any local vet can handle this. Just show the surgery record from Vet Playas.

This is also the time when your dog might feel better — which makes things tricky. Don’t let them fool you! Just because they want to run doesn’t mean they should.

Weeks 3–6: Controlled Rehab

At this stage, healing tissue begins to stabilize. Your vet may recommend simple at-home physical therapy:

• Passive range-of-motion (PROM) exercises: Move the affected joint gently
• Short leash walks: Start with 5 minutes and increase slowly
• Warm compresses or laser therapy: Optional based on recovery

If you’re unsure how to perform PROM exercises, ask your vet for a video demo or written guide. Some clinics like Vet Playas provide recovery videos online or through email.

Week 7 and Beyond: Gradual Return to Activity

If your dog is progressing well, you can slowly extend walk time and reduce confinement. Monitor for signs of fatigue, limping, or stiffness. These might indicate overexertion or slower healing.

In complex cases like TPLO (knee surgery), full recovery may take up to 12–16 weeks. Always follow your vet’s timeline and avoid pushing your dog too soon.

How to Set Up the Perfect Recovery Space

• Soft, non-slip flooring (avoid hardwood)
• Orthopedic dog bed with low entry height
• Portable water and food bowls
• Dog-safe heating pad (on lowest setting)
• Calming music or diffuser if your dog gets anxious

Limit visitors, playtime with other pets, and outdoor distractions during the early phase. Calm equals healing.

Signs Your Dog Is Recovering Well

• Eating and drinking normally
• Gradually bearing more weight on the surgical leg
• Clean, dry incision
• Improved energy and mood

If your dog shows any regression, call your vet immediately. It’s better to adjust early than risk complications.

Follow-Up Care and Long-Term Maintenance

After orthopedic surgery, some dogs need joint supplements, weight control, or lifestyle changes to prevent recurrence. Your vet may recommend:

• Glucosamine/chondroitin supplements
• Prescription diet or weight management plan
• Annual X-rays for high-risk breeds
• Limiting rough play or agility sports

At Vet Playas, the team helps you create a custom post-op plan, whether you're local or returning to the U.S. They may also offer remote check-ins or follow-up support.

Conclusion: Recovery Is a Journey — But You’re Not Alone

Orthopedic surgery is just the beginning. Recovery is where the real transformation happens — and with your love and support, your dog will bounce back stronger than ever.

Whether you’ve just returned from Tijuana or are planning surgery at Vet Playas, this guide is your go-to map for success. From crate setup to therapy walks, from belly rubs to medication reminders — every detail counts.

Want expert, affordable surgery and full support from start to finish? Visit https://vetplayas.com/ and take the next step in giving your dog the pain-free life they deserve.