5039 Pacific Ave , Tacoma, WA 98408

Pet Surgery FAQs


Pet surgery is a common concern for many pet owners, especially when it comes to understanding the procedures and ensuring the best care for their furry companions. At Avenue Veterinary Clinic in Tacoma, we prioritize providing clear information and guidance to help you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process. Below are some frequently asked questions about pet surgery, including pet dental procedures, to help you better understand what to expect.

What Types of Pet Surgeries Are Performed?

Pet surgeries vary depending on the needs of the animal. Common procedures include spaying, neutering, tumor removals, and soft tissue surgeries. Pet dental surgeries, such as tooth extractions and treating advanced gum disease, are also frequently performed to ensure your pet's oral health. Our team at Avenue Veterinary Clinic in Tacoma provides a full range of surgical services to meet the needs of your pets.

Is Pet Surgery Safe?

Pet surgery, like any medical procedure, carries some risks. However, with modern veterinary practices, the risks are minimized. At Avenue Veterinary Clinic, we take several precautions to ensure your pet’s safety, including performing pre-surgical blood tests and monitoring your pet’s vital signs throughout the procedure. We aim to keep the risk as low as possible and ensure a smooth recovery.

How Should I Prepare My Pet for Surgery?

Preparing your pet for surgery involves following your veterinarian’s pre-surgery instructions. Typically, you will be asked to withhold food for 8 to 12 hours before surgery to reduce the risk of complications during anesthesia. Your veterinarian near you will provide specific instructions tailored to your pet’s needs, including advice on medications and other preparations.

What Is the Recovery Process Like After Pet Surgery?

The recovery process varies based on the type of surgery your pet undergoes. In most cases, pets will need a quiet, comfortable space to rest for the first few days. It’s also important to monitor your pet closely for any signs of discomfort, swelling, or infection around the surgical site. Your veterinarian will provide detailed post-operative care instructions, including guidance on medication and follow-up visits. Pet dental surgeries may require special feeding guidelines and oral care during recovery.

When Should I Be Concerned About My Pet’s Recovery?

While it is normal for pets to feel drowsy or have a decreased appetite immediately after surgery, you should contact your veterinarian if your pet shows signs of severe pain, persistent vomiting, or unusual behavior. At Avenue Veterinary Clinic, we’re always available to address any concerns during your pet’s recovery process, ensuring they heal properly and comfortably.

Contact Avenue Veterinary Clinic for More Information

At Avenue Veterinary Clinic in Tacoma, we understand that pet surgery can be stressful for both you and your pet. We’re here to answer all your questions and ensure that your pet receives the best care possible. Whether your pet requires surgery or routine pet dental care, our team is dedicated to their health and well-being. Call Avenue Veterinary Clinic at (253) 472-3359 to schedule an appointment or to speak with our staff about any concerns you may have.


Pet surgery is a common concern for many pet owners, especially when it comes to understanding the procedures and ensuring the best care for their furry companions. At Avenue Veterinary Clinic in Tacoma, we prioritize providing clear information and guidance to help you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process. Below are some frequently asked questions about pet surgery, including pet dental procedures, to help you better understand what to expect.

What Types of Pet Surgeries Are Performed?

Pet surgeries vary depending on the needs of the animal. Common procedures include spaying, neutering, tumor removals, and soft tissue surgeries. Pet dental surgeries, such as tooth extractions and treating advanced gum disease, are also frequently performed to ensure your pet's oral health. Our team at Avenue Veterinary Clinic in Tacoma provides a full range of surgical services to meet the needs of your pets.

Is Pet Surgery Safe?

Pet surgery, like any medical procedure, carries some risks. However, with modern veterinary practices, the risks are minimized. At Avenue Veterinary Clinic, we take several precautions to ensure your pet’s safety, including performing pre-surgical blood tests and monitoring your pet’s vital signs throughout the procedure. We aim to keep the risk as low as possible and ensure a smooth recovery.

How Should I Prepare My Pet for Surgery?

Preparing your pet for surgery involves following your veterinarian’s pre-surgery instructions. Typically, you will be asked to withhold food for 8 to 12 hours before surgery to reduce the risk of complications during anesthesia. Your veterinarian near you will provide specific instructions tailored to your pet’s needs, including advice on medications and other preparations.

What Is the Recovery Process Like After Pet Surgery?

The recovery process varies based on the type of surgery your pet undergoes. In most cases, pets will need a quiet, comfortable space to rest for the first few days. It’s also important to monitor your pet closely for any signs of discomfort, swelling, or infection around the surgical site. Your veterinarian will provide detailed post-operative care instructions, including guidance on medication and follow-up visits. Pet dental surgeries may require special feeding guidelines and oral care during recovery.

When Should I Be Concerned About My Pet’s Recovery?

While it is normal for pets to feel drowsy or have a decreased appetite immediately after surgery, you should contact your veterinarian if your pet shows signs of severe pain, persistent vomiting, or unusual behavior. At Avenue Veterinary Clinic, we’re always available to address any concerns during your pet’s recovery process, ensuring they heal properly and comfortably.

Contact Avenue Veterinary Clinic for More Information

At Avenue Veterinary Clinic in Tacoma, we understand that pet surgery can be stressful for both you and your pet. We’re here to answer all your questions and ensure that your pet receives the best care possible. Whether your pet requires surgery or routine pet dental care, our team is dedicated to their health and well-being. Call Avenue Veterinary Clinic at (253) 472-3359 to schedule an appointment or to speak with our staff about any concerns you may have.

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