Aftercare Instructions for Post-Surgical Appointments
Send clients follow-up emails, texts, or robo calls to check in on their animal and share with them what the post-visit experience should be. This can include the discharge paperwork and surgery follow-ups like a healing email with information on post-surgical care and expectations or how to care for a pet after a dental and extractions. These aftercare follow-ups are created using Item Reminders.
Recommended Formats for Sharing Aftercare Instructions
To accommodate your clients, it’s beneficial to provide aftercare instructions in multiple formats. This can include:
Handouts: Provide printed materials with detailed aftercare guidelines.
Emails: Send digital copies of aftercare instructions and discharge paperwork.
Videos: Share video resources that illustrate post-surgical care techniques. The ASPCA provides a shareable video, available in English and Spanish, HERE.
By utilizing various formats, you can ensure that your clients receive the information in a way that best suits their needs.
What to Include in the Aftercare Material
The aftercare instructions should contain the following key points.
Key Points for Aftercare Instructions
When creating aftercare instructions, be sure to include the following critical points:
Immediate Care Upon Return Home:
Keep pets in a quiet, temperature-regulated area.
For owned cats, confine them indoors and do not release outside for 7-10 days.
Activity Limitations:
Restrict jumping and running to aid healing.
Dietary Restrictions:
Limit food portions for the first 24 hours to minimize the risk of vomiting.
Incision Care & Monitoring:
Keep the incision site clean and dry. Do not apply anything to the incision.
Prevent licking of the incision to reduce infection risk.
Check the incision site several times a day for any signs of complications.
Emergency Contact Information:
Provide clear instructions on who to contact in case of concerns or emergencies.
