After surgery your dog needs a calm, controlled environment to heal properly — prepare a quiet indoor space away from children and other pets, ideally a bathroom or utility room for easy cleaning if accidents occur. Prevent licking and chewing of incisions with a comfortable inflatable E-collar instead of traditional plastic cones, which can make eating and drinking difficult. Limit outdoor activity, jumping and rough play until your vet gives the all-clear, and provide an orthopaedic bed for extra joint and spine support during increased rest. Follow wound cleaning instructions precisely, stick to the prescribed diet, and never skip follow-up appointments — even if your dog seems fully recovered.