If you want to ensure that your dog has a smooth operation and recovery, attend to some of the essential items below before your dog goes in for his procedure. 48 Hours in Advance Speak to your veterinarian at this stage. Have a discussion about the medications that your dog might be taking and whether or not you should stop giving your dog these medications before surgery. Next, find out all you can about the surgery. How long with the procedure take? What will the procedure involve? What state will your dog be in after the surgery? All of these things are important to note, so make sure to ask a lot of questions. The more knowledgeable you are about the procedure, the more you can do to prepare for your dog's recovery. Setting Up Your Home Setting up your home for recovery before a surgery is often the best time to get things in order. You will likely be too busy to attend to the smaller details after your dog's surgery. Create a comfortable spot for your dog to lay down in during recovery. Set up food and water supplies. Make sure that you have all the medical items that you need for your dog. Once this is done, then you can concentrate on the day of the actual surgery. Day of Surgery Preparing your dog for surgery is vital. Make sure to follow these steps: * Don't allow your dog to eat or drink 12 hours before surgery * If your dog does manage to snag some food, make sure to inform the veterinarian * Gather your dog's items to bring to the vet's office Take a blanket with you to the clinic. This blanket can be used to comfort your dog after surgery. Your dog will be able to smell familiar scents on the blanket, which will help him to relax. Also, make sure that you have some kind of easy transportation lined up -- you don't want to jostle your dog too much after surgery. Preparing Yourself Dogs can often sense and reflect the emotional state of their owners. Your dog will easily sense if you are nervous or anxious and will likely feel the same way. It is important to calm down, breathe normally and stay relaxed. Lastly, make sure that you leave all of your contact information with your veterinarian so they can contact you when your dog has come out of surgery.