All dogs, whether they have surgery or not, require strict confinement and rest. Because many affected dogs are large, it may be easier to section-off a portion of a room, such as the kitchen, rather than using a carrier or cage.

Assistance may be required to get your dog up and walking. A towel slung underneath your dog's abdomen can help.

Many dogs, even those with dramatic back pain and horrible spinal fractures, can make a remarkably fast recovery. Nerve root pinching can be extremely uncomfortable and many dogs feel much better after surgical removal of the compression. It is important that these dogs do not exercise too soon.

Do not allow your dog to jump on or off furniture or go up or down stairs. When your dog needs to go to the bathroom, take him outside on a leash so that he cannot run around.

Medication may be necessary to assist your dog with normal urination; particularly to help prevent accidents in the house. It is important to provide plenty of soft padded bedding to avoid the development of pressure sores.

After surgery, the incision should be checked daily for swelling, redness or discharge. Your veterinarian should remove the stitches or staples in two weeks.