When can my dog start physiotherapy after orthopaedic surgery?

Passive range-of-motion exercises can typically begin within the first 24–48 hours after surgery, as directed by your vet. Active physiotherapy — including controlled leash walks and strengthening exercises — is usually introduced from week three onwards. The exact timeline depends on the procedure performed and is confirmed at follow-up appointments. Contact MaxPetz Delhi for a personalised rehabilitation plan.

How long does full recovery take after orthopaedic surgery in dogs?

Full recovery typically takes eight to sixteen weeks, depending on the type of surgery, the dog's age, breed, and weight, and how consistently the rehabilitation plan is followed. Radiographic confirmation of bone healing is required before returning to unrestricted activity. Some dogs, particularly larger breeds or those with complex fractures, may need longer structured physiotherapy.

How do I comfort a dog in pain after surgery?

Ensure prescribed pain medications are given on schedule and with food. Keep your dog in a quiet, warm, and familiar space. Speak calmly and avoid sudden movements around them. Apply cold therapy to the surgical site in the first 72 hours. If your dog continues to show signs of pain — vocalising, refusing food, or inability to settle — contact your vet promptly rather than waiting.

Can I leave my dog alone after orthopaedic surgery?

In the first 48–72 hours, your dog should not be left alone for extended periods. After that, short absences are generally acceptable provided the dog is safely confined to a crate or pen, the E-collar is on, and water is accessible. Avoid leaving your dog alone for more than four hours during the first two weeks of recovery without arranging a check-in.

What natural measures can help with my dog's pain relief at home?

Cold therapy (cloth-wrapped ice pack for 10–15 minutes, three to four times daily) reduces post-operative swelling in the first 72 hours. Warm compresses after 72 hours can ease stiffness before exercises. Gentle massage of surrounding muscles supports circulation. These measures complement — and never replace — prescribed veterinary pain medications. Never give human pain relievers to dogs.

Dog Orthopaedic Surgery Recovery Guide

Rehabilitation After Orthopaedic Surgery in Dogs: A Home Guide

How do you care for a dog at home after orthopaedic surgery?

Caring for a dog at home after orthopaedic surgery requires strict rest, controlled movement, wound monitoring, prescribed pain management, and a structured physiotherapy plan. Recovery is gradual — most dogs need four to twelve weeks of supervised home care before returning to normal activity, depending on the procedure performed.

MaxPetz in Delhi offers dedicated pet physiotherapy and post-operative support to guide pet owners through every stage of canine orthopaedic recovery. The team provides a personalised home-care protocol at discharge so you know exactly what to do from day one.

Tip: Keep your discharge instructions accessible at all times. If anything is unclear, contact MaxPetz Delhi directly rather than waiting for the next scheduled visit.

How do I restrict my dog's movement after bone surgery?

Movement restriction is the single most important factor in preventing implant failure or re-injury during the early healing phase. The goal is to limit activity without causing distress.

Crate rest: Confine your dog to a crate or small pen large enough to stand, turn, and lie down — nothing more. This is typically required for the first two to four weeks.
Leash-only toileting: All outdoor time must be on a short lead (1–1.5 m). No running, jumping, or off-lead access.
Stair management: Block stairs with baby gates. Carry small dogs; use a support sling for larger breeds.
Non-slip surfaces: Place rubber-backed mats or yoga mats on tiled and wooden floors to prevent slipping on the operated limb.
Separate from other pets: Even gentle play from a housemate can cause sudden weight-bearing that disrupts healing.
E-collar (Elizabethan collar): Keep it on at all times unless directly supervised, to prevent licking or chewing the wound.

Your veterinary team will specify the exact duration of strict rest based on the procedure — follow their timeline, not your dog's apparent energy level. Dogs often feel better before the bone has fully healed.

How do I manage my dog's pain at home after surgery?

Effective pain control supports healing, encourages early limb use, and reduces stress. Always follow the medication schedule provided at discharge.

Method	Notes
Prescribed NSAIDs	Give with food at the exact dose and interval prescribed. Never skip or double-dose.
Prescribed opioids / gabapentin	Some dogs receive multimodal analgesia. Follow the weaning schedule — do not stop abruptly.
Cold therapy (first 72 hours)	Apply a cloth-wrapped ice pack to the surgical site for 10–15 minutes, three to four times daily, to reduce swelling.
Warm therapy (after 72 hours)	A warm compress before passive exercises can ease stiffness. Never apply heat to a swollen or infected wound.

Warning: Never give human pain medications — including ibuprofen, paracetamol, or aspirin — to your dog. These are toxic to canines and can cause fatal organ damage. If prescribed medications are not controlling pain, contact your vet immediately.

Signs that pain is not adequately controlled include: persistent vocalisation, refusal to eat, inability to settle, or complete non-weight-bearing on the operated limb beyond the first 48 hours.

When can my dog start physiotherapy, and what exercises help recovery?

Physiotherapy after orthopaedic surgery in dogs is not optional — it is a clinical necessity. It prevents muscle atrophy, maintains joint range of motion, and accelerates return to function. The timing and type of exercises depend on the specific procedure and your vet's protocol.

General physiotherapy timeline:

Days 1–3 (immediate post-op): Passive range-of-motion (PROM) exercises only — gently flex and extend the operated joint through its comfortable range, 10–15 repetitions, two to three times daily. No active exercise.
Week 1–2: Continue PROM. Add gentle massage of the surrounding muscle groups to reduce swelling and maintain circulation.
Week 3–4: Short, controlled leash walks on flat ground (2–5 minutes), increasing gradually. Hydrotherapy (underwater treadmill) may be introduced if recommended by your vet.
Week 5–8: Progressive weight-bearing exercises, sit-to-stand repetitions, and balance work on stable surfaces. Duration and intensity guided by clinical reassessment.
Week 8–12+: Functional strengthening, incline walking, and return-to-activity planning based on radiographic confirmation of healing.

At MaxPetz Delhi's pet physiotherapy service, the rehabilitation team designs a structured exercise programme tailored to your dog's breed, weight, age, and specific surgical procedure. Owners are trained to perform home exercises correctly before discharge.

Tip: Perform passive range-of-motion exercises when your dog is calm and relaxed — after a meal or a short rest period works well. Stop immediately if your dog vocalises or pulls the limb away.

What signs of complications should I watch for after pet bone surgery?

Most post-operative complications are manageable when caught early. Check the surgical site and your dog's general demeanour at least twice daily during the first two weeks.

Contact your vet the same day if you notice:

Wound discharge that is yellow, green, or foul-smelling
Significant swelling or heat at the surgical site that worsens after 48 hours
Suture line opening or visible implant hardware
Complete non-weight-bearing on the operated limb beyond 48–72 hours post-op
Fever (rectal temperature above 39.5°C / 103.1°F)
Loss of appetite lasting more than 24 hours
Excessive licking or chewing at the wound despite the E-collar

Seek emergency care immediately if:

Your dog collapses or cannot stand
There is active bleeding from the wound
Your dog shows signs of severe respiratory distress
The limb appears acutely deformed or the dog cries out when the limb is touched

Do dogs cry when in pain? Yes — vocalisation such as whimpering, yelping, or howling is a recognised pain indicator in dogs. However, some dogs are stoic and show pain only through behavioural changes such as withdrawal, reduced appetite, or reluctance to move. Monitor both vocal and behavioural cues.

When should you bring your dog back to the vet during recovery?

Scheduled follow-up appointments are not optional — they allow your vet to assess healing radiographically and adjust the physiotherapy plan. Beyond scheduled visits, return to the clinic if any of the following apply:

Pain medications are not providing relief after 48 hours at the prescribed dose
Your dog has not placed any weight on the operated limb by day 5 post-op (unless instructed otherwise)
Swelling at the surgical site has not reduced by day 7
Your dog is licking the wound despite an E-collar, and the skin appears broken
You notice a change in gait — such as a new limp on the opposite limb — suggesting compensatory strain
Your dog has not returned to eating normally within 48 hours of surgery

Do not wait for the next scheduled appointment if any of the above persist for more than 24 hours. Early intervention prevents minor complications from becoming serious setbacks.

How does MaxPetz Delhi support dog orthopaedic recovery?

MaxPetz in Delhi provides pet physiotherapy as part of a structured post-operative care pathway for dogs recovering from orthopaedic surgery. The clinical team combines veterinary oversight with hands-on rehabilitation support, equipping owners with the knowledge and techniques to carry out home exercises safely and effectively.

The approach at MaxPetz Delhi integrates cutting-edge veterinary technology with compassionate, individualised care — so each dog's recovery plan reflects their specific procedure, breed, and physical condition rather than a generic protocol.

For dogs recovering from procedures such as TPLO, fracture repair, or hip surgery, the pet physiotherapy programme at MaxPetz provides progressive rehabilitation milestones and regular clinical reassessment to keep recovery on track.

Book a post-operative consultation at MaxPetz Delhi

Use the booking form on this page to schedule your dog's rehabilitation assessment or to speak with the pet physiotherapy team.

Confine your dog to a crate or small pen for the first two to four weeks, allowing only short leash walks for toileting. Block stairs, cover slippery floors with non-slip mats, and separate your dog from other pets. Keep the E-collar on at all times unless directly supervised. Follow the specific rest duration given by your vet at discharge.
Passive range-of-motion exercises can typically begin within the first 24–48 hours after surgery, as directed by your vet. Active physiotherapy — including controlled leash walks and strengthening exercises — is usually introduced from week three onwards. The exact timeline depends on the procedure performed and is confirmed at follow-up appointments. Contact MaxPetz Delhi for a personalised rehabilitation plan.
Full recovery typically takes eight to sixteen weeks, depending on the type of surgery, the dog's age, breed, and weight, and how consistently the rehabilitation plan is followed. Radiographic confirmation of bone healing is required before returning to unrestricted activity. Some dogs, particularly larger breeds or those with complex fractures, may need longer structured physiotherapy.
Ensure prescribed pain medications are given on schedule and with food. Keep your dog in a quiet, warm, and familiar space. Speak calmly and avoid sudden movements around them. Apply cold therapy to the surgical site in the first 72 hours. If your dog continues to show signs of pain — vocalising, refusing food, or inability to settle — contact your vet promptly rather than waiting.
In the first 48–72 hours, your dog should not be left alone for extended periods. After that, short absences are generally acceptable provided the dog is safely confined to a crate or pen, the E-collar is on, and water is accessible. Avoid leaving your dog alone for more than four hours during the first two weeks of recovery without arranging a check-in.
Cold therapy (cloth-wrapped ice pack for 10–15 minutes, three to four times daily) reduces post-operative swelling in the first 72 hours. Warm compresses after 72 hours can ease stiffness before exercises. Gentle massage of surrounding muscles supports circulation. These measures complement — and never replace — prescribed veterinary pain medications. Never give human pain relievers to dogs.

Rehabilitation After Orthopaedic Surgery in Dogs: A Home Guide