How to Care for Your Pet After Eye Surgery: Complete Guide

Discover expert recovery tips for caring for your pet after eye surgery. Ensure comfort, prevent infection, and speed up healing at home.

Witnessing your beloved pet undergo eye surgery can be an emotionally charged experience. Whether it’s cataract removal, injury repair, or treatment for an infection, the recovery process is just as necessary as the procedure itself. With the proper post-operative care, your pet’s eye surgery recovery can be smooth, safe, and comfortable. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know—from how to safely administer medications and prevent infections to managing your pet’s behaviour and spotting signs of complications. Whether you have a dog, cat, or another furry companion, this vet-approved aftercare advice will help you provide the best possible healing environment at home.

Photo of a dog or cat wearing a recovery cone

What to Expect After Eye Surgery in Pets

After your pet’s eye surgery, it’s for cataracts, cherry eye, a corneal ulcer, or another condition. It’s completely normal to feel unsure about what comes next. You need to understand that the healthcare system can help you receive the proper support and recognise problems early.

Common Post-Surgery Symptoms

Immediately after surgery, your pet may exhibit signs that can seem concerning but are usually temporary, including:

• Redness or mild swelling around the eye
• Watery discharge or slight crusting at the surgical site
• Drowsiness due to the lingering effects of anaesthesia
• Sensitivity to light
• Reduced appetite for the first 12–24 hours

These are symptoms of the healing process after regular pet surgery. However, monitoring closely in the first few days is very important.

Healing Stages of the Eye

A general timeline of recovery

First 24 Hours:

• Your pet may sleep more than usual
• The eye might appear red, teary, or slightly swollen
• Keep your pet calm, quiet, and indoors to keep your eyes safe

Day 2–3:

• Your pet should regain energy
• Swelling or discharge should gradually decrease
• You’ll begin giving prescribed eye drops or ointment
• It’s essential to prevent scratching or rubbing the eye at this stage

End of Week 1:

• Noticeable improvement in eye appearance
• Your pet may act more like their usual self
• Any stitches may start dissolving (depending on the type of surgery)
• Follow-up vet visit usually occurs around this time

If your pet appears to be in pain after 3 days, contact your veterinarian immediately. It’s an indication of infection or improper healing.

This phase varies depending on the type of procedure, your pet’s age, and breed. For instance, dog cataract surgery recovery can take up to 2–3 weeks, while a simple eyelid mass removal might heal faster.

First 24 Hours: Immediate Eye Care

After a pet’s eye surgery, the first 24 hours are most important. At this time, your beloved pet is recovering from anaesthesia, and its eye is most vulnerable. A calm, clean, and safe environment is crucial for avoiding complications and speeding up the healing process.

Keep Your Pet Calm and Isolated

After eye surgery, he may be groggy or confused, so help him to recover peacefully by

• Placing them in a quiet, dimly lit room away from noise and foot traffic
• Keeping other pets and young children at a distance
• Use calming diffusers or sprays

This is essential for keeping pets calm after surgery, which directly impacts their healing speed and stress levels.