Surgery
Canine Surgery in Chattanooga, TN
When your dog needs surgery, you want more than just medical skill—you want trust, clarity, and comfort. At The Healthy Hound, we provide just that. As a canine-exclusive veterinary clinic in Hixson, TN, we offer advanced dog surgery services for Chattanooga-area families who want comprehensive care in a low-stress environment. Every procedure is handled with precision, compassion, and a deep understanding of your dog’s individual needs.
If your dog needs surgery—from mass removal to urgent wound repair—our personalized canine care is here to help.
Types of Dog Surgery We Offer
At The Healthy Hound, we focus on soft tissue and select orthopedic veterinary surgery procedures that protect your dog’s health and comfort. Our services include:
- Mass removal surgery for lumps, growths, and cysts
- Wound repair surgery following injuries or infections
- Spay and neuter surgery with careful anesthetic protocols
- Oral surgery for infected or damaged teeth
- Urgent surgical care for abscesses, lacerations, and internal issues
- Abdominal procedures (foreign body removal, splenectomy, pyometra, etc) , depending on your dog’s condition
If your dog requires advanced orthopedic procedures such as ACL repair, we’re happy to refer you to a trusted local vet surgeon in Chattanooga.
If your dog requires urgent surgery, we’re here to help. We understand that emergencies can’t be scheduled, so we’ll do our best to accommodate urgent cases, even if that means adjusting our schedule. Please don’t hesitate to call us if your dog needs immediate surgical care.
How to Tell If Your Dog Needs Surgery
We understand it can be hard to know when surgery is the right option. Some of the most common signs include:
- A lump or mass that is growing or changing
- Trouble eating, urinating, or defecating
- Unusual discharge, swelling, or heat
- Wounds that aren’t healing
- Behavioral changes like hiding, panting, or refusing food
We offer thorough consultations to determine whether veterinary surgery is the next best step.
What to Expect Before Your Dog’s Surgery
We want you to feel prepared, not rushed or overwhelmed. Here’s how we set you and your dog up for success:
- We start with a one-on-one surgical consultation
- We complete any necessary bloodwork, diagnostics, or imaging
- Dr. Singer walks you through anesthesia protocols, risks, and expectations
- You’ll receive a transparent surgical plan and estimate
- We allow time for all your questions—we believe in calm, clear communication
Our dog surgery suite is built for comfort, safety, and individual attention.
How to Prepare Your Dog for Surgery
Preparing at home helps reduce stress on the day of the procedure. We recommend:
- Withholding food after 12 AM (midnight) the night before
- Witholding water starting at 7 AM the morning of surgery
- Limiting play or excitement that morning
- If your dog routinely takes medications, ask our staff if and when they should be administered
- Asking questions, we’re happy to walk you through every step
If your dog has unique medical or emotional needs, we’ll tailor our approach to match.
Dog Surgery Recovery Timeline
Recovery times vary, but most soft tissue surgeries follow this timeline:
- 3-7 days of rest and medication at home
- Incision check and suture removal in 10–14 days
- Full healing in 2–4 weeks depending on the procedure
- E-collar use typically for 10–14 days
You’ll receive instructions and follow-up care designed specifically for your dog.
Will My Dog Need to Stay Overnight After Surgery?
In most cases, dog surgeries at The Healthy Hound are outpatient. That means your dog will:
- Arrive in the morning
- Be monitored closely during recovery
- Head home the same day with you
If an overnight stay is recommended, we’ll discuss nearby referral surgery hospitals in Chattanooga that we trust. You’ll never be left wondering what comes next.
Pain Management After Canine Surgery
We take your dog’s comfort seriously—before, during, and after surgery. Our pain control protocols include:
- Pre-surgical medications to block pain early
- Intraoperative pain injections as needed
- At-home oral pain medications
- Personalized dosing based on your dog’s age, size, and health
- Recheck calls to ensure comfort continues at home
You’ll know exactly what to watch for and how to keep your pup comfortable during recovery.
Signs of Post-Surgical Complications
Complications after your dog’s surgery are uncommon, but we want you to be prepared. Contact us right away if you notice:
- Swelling, bleeding, or discharge from the incision
- Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Redness or heat around the surgical site
- Chewing or licking at sutures
- Unusual lethargy or restlessness
We offer same-day urgent care for surgical follow-up concerns. If our office is closed and you have immediate concerns, please reach out to one of the local emergency clinics in Chattanooga.
Cost of Dog Surgery in Chattanooga, TN
We believe that veterinary care should be transparent. Pricing varies by procedure, but we always provide:
- A detailed estimate before your dog’s surgery
- A clear breakdown of anesthesia, diagnostics, and follow-up
- Honest answers to help you plan
- Support with CareCredit or other payment options if needed
Whether your dog needs a mass removal or a more involved soft tissue procedure, we’re here to make it accessible.
Why Choose The Healthy Hound for Dog Surgery in Hixson and Chattanooga
We know you have options. Here’s why local families trust us:
- We treat dogs only—our environment is calmer, quieter, and tailored to your pet’s comfort
- Dr. Joshua Singer brings years of veterinary surgical experience and personalized care
- Longer appointment times mean better conversations and no rushed decisions
- Our modern diagnostics help us move quickly when time matters
- We offer same-day evaluations when your dog needs urgent care
From check-in to check-up, your dog is our priority.
Schedule a Dog Surgery Consultation Today
Surgery is never easy, but at The Healthy Hound, we’re here to make it less stressful. Whether your dog needs a routine procedure or urgent care, we provide canine-specific surgical services that combine expertise with empathy.
Call us today or request an appointment online to schedule your dog’s surgical consultation at our canine-exclusive vet office in Hixson, TN—serving families throughout the Chattanooga area with compassionate, relationship-centered care for dogs.