Preparing Your Home for TPLO Surgery

Choose a comfortable, confined area where your dog can rest without running or jumping. Plan for approximately 8 weeks of controlled activity, or as directed by your veterinarian.

Good options

• Crate or kennel: Room to stand, turn, and lie down.
• Exercise pen: Small, secure, and stable.
• Small gated room: With good, stable footing and no accessible furniture for jumping.

Inside the space

• Supportive, washable bedding
• Fresh water in easy reach
• Non-slip flooring and no clutter
• Enough room to rest while wearing an E-collar

A sling provides light assistance while your dog stands and walks. Have a rear-support sling, large bath towel, or a Help 'Em Up Harness available. We particularly like the Help 'Em Up Harness because it can stay on throughout recovery for quick support as needed.

Using a bath towel

• Fold a large towel lengthwise into a wide strip.
• Place it beneath the abdomen, just ahead of the hind legs, avoiding the incision.
• Hold both towel ends in one hand and the leash in the other.
• Maintain light upward tension — approximately 5 pounds of pressure — to help catch your dog if they slip, before they hit the ground.

Towel in one hand • Leash in the other

Think safety net, not lifting device. Your dog should continue using their legs. The towel is there to stabilize them if they lose balance.

Light support can help prevent slips during the first days at home.

No jumping, running, chasing, rough play, or unsupervised outdoor time.

Keep your dog off beds and sofas, and use a short leash for every outdoor trip — even in a fenced yard.

Separate pets when play could become energetic. Always take other household dogs outside at different times from your recovering dog to prevent excitement or accidental collisions.

A runner rug and baby gate can reduce the risk of slipping or stair use.

We recommend an appropriately fitted Elizabethan collar (E-collar or cone) for every dog. Licking or chewing the incision can cause infection and delayed healing.

The E-collar should remain on continuously until the incision has healed, unless your surgical team provides different instructions. Make sure your recovery space accommodates the collar, and keep the incision clean and dry as directed.

Your dog may be groggy or unsteady after anesthesia. Plan a safe way into and out of the vehicle; never allow jumping. The towel or sling can help stabilize your dog during vehicle entry and exit, although some dogs will also need hands-on lifting assistance.

Use a non-slip surface inside the vehicle. A properly sized, secured travel crate can limit movement during the drive, especially when another person is not available to help. Ask your veterinary team about a safe lifting plan if you have concerns.

Work through these items before your dog's TPLO so you can focus on helping them rest and recover after surgery.

• Set up a crate, exercise pen, or small recovery room with stable footing.
• Provide comfortable, washable bedding and easy access to water.
• Arrange for your dog to stay on one level of the house.
• Block stairs with secure baby gates where needed.
• Have a large towel, support sling, or Help 'Em Up Harness ready.
• Place non-slip runners or rugs along walking paths.
• Choose a flat, nearby bathroom area with minimal steps.
• Prevent access to beds, couches, and other jumping opportunities.
• Plan separate outdoor trips for your other household dogs.
• Have an appropriately fitted E-collar available.
• Plan safe transport home with sling assistance and, if useful, a secured crate.
• Arrange assistance and supervision for the first days of recovery.

Have questions before surgery?

Every home — and every dog — is different. If you are unsure about stairs, confinement, lifting, or providing support, contact your veterinary team before surgery so you can plan safely.