He or she will probably spend more time than usual resting or sleeping. This is a natural reaction to illness or surgery, and helps to conserve energy and mend tissues while the body is getting back to normal. Special dietary needs Good nutrition is especially important for a pet which has been ill, injured, had an operation, or not eaten in several days. Feeding a good diet at this time, will help speed wound healing and reduce the chances of infection. Supplying high quality nutrients in the right amounts also prevents the body from using its own important tissues as energy sources at this time of stress.
All pets require a nutritionally balanced diet.
During convalescence, the balance of nutrients needed by your pet will change and feeding their normal diet may not provide the correct balance of nutrients that they need. Proteins Proteins are the major building blocks in the repair process and are important in helping your pet to fight infection as part of the immune system. Protein requirements of the convalescing pet are usually higher than for the normal, healthy pet. Fats and carbohydrates Fats and carbohydrates are excellent sources of energy. Energy is needed in larger amounts than normal for repairing the tissues affected by illness, injury or surgery, and to fight infection.