Prepare your dog for TPLO surgery — and know exactly what to expect
Your dog will feel better immediately after surgery — and that's exactly when accidents happen. This free guide tells you what to set up, what to expect, and how to come home fully prepared.
After surgery, your dog won't know they need to rest. Studies suggest over 1.2 million dogs undergo TPLO surgery each year in North America — and most owners go home underprepared. Preparation before the procedure dramatically improves recovery outcomes.
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What's inside
Whole-dog rehabilitation for every stage of life
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Week-by-week video demonstrations
See exactly how to set up recovery spaces, manage bathroom breaks, and prevent the most common post-op complications — shown step by step.
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Shopping list
Guidance on what to get before your dogs surgery, slings, cones, confinement options — everything organised and ready to go.
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Room-by-room home assessment
Identify hazards and prepare every area of your home before surgery day — ramps, barriers, bedding, crate setup, and more.
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Medication & pain management system
Practical systems to ensure nothing is missed in those critical first 48 hours — especially when you're tired and anxious.
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Mental stimulation ideas for crate rest
Simple, proven strategies to keep your dog calm and mentally engaged during the early recovery phase — without breaking crate rest rules.
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What comes next — the 8-week recovery
An overview of weeks 1–8 post-surgery, and how the TPLO Recovery Course picks up exactly where this guide ends.
Why this guide is different
Written by Ontario's first small animal rehab specialist
This isn't a generic post-op leaflet from a vet surgery. It was written by Tania Costa — who has guided hundreds of dogs and owners through TPLO recovery over 20+ years of specialist practice.
Tania's philosophy is straightforward: the best outcomes happen when owners understand what's happening and why.
This guide is the starting point of that education — and it's completely free.
"Your dog will feel better immediately after surgery — and that's exactly when accidents happen. Preparation is everything."
— Tania Costa, Canine Wellness Centre (founded 2003)
What owners say
Real results, real stories
Here's what dog owners have experienced working with Canine Wellness Centre.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about TPLO preparation
How soon before surgery should I get this guide?
Ideally at least 1–2 weeks before your scheduled surgery date, so you have time to gather supplies and prepare your home properly. That said, this guide is still valuable if surgery is just days away — the most important thing is to have it before you come home with your dog.
Is this a replacement for my vet's post-op instructions?
No — and it's not designed to be. This guide complements your veterinarian's medical instructions with practical preparation advice they often don't have time to cover in detail. Always follow your vet's specific post-op guidance first, and use this guide alongside it.
My dog is having a different orthopaedic surgery. Will this still help?
Yes. While some details are TPLO-specific, the home preparation principles, supply checklists, and recovery space setup apply to most orthopaedic surgeries. The core challenge — a dog who feels better than they should, moving more than they should — is the same regardless of the specific procedure.
What's the difference between this free guide and the paid recovery course?
This guide covers everything you need to do before surgery — preparation, supplies, home setup, and understanding what the first 24 hours will look like. The TPLO Recovery Courses (Part 1 and Part 2) take over from the moment your dog comes home, with week-by-week video demonstrations, exercise programmes, assessment tools, and a full warning signs checklist. Think of this guide as the foundation, and the recovery courses as the complete structure built on top.
Can I access the guide on my phone?
Absolutely. Everything is fully mobile-responsive and works on any device. The downloadable checklists are also designed to be printed and carried with you — at the vet, on walks, and at home.
Do I need to be in Canada to use this?
Not at all. TPLO recovery principles are the same wherever you are. Tania's guides and courses are used by dog owners across Canada, the US, the UK, and beyond. The veterinary cannabis sections reference Canadian regulations specifically, but all rehabilitation content is universal.
Already have your surgery date? The recovery starts on day one.
The Prep Guide gets you ready for surgery day. When your dog comes home, the TPLO Recovery Course gives you the week-by-week structure to get through the next 8 weeks with complete confidence.
Part 1 · Weeks 1-4
Managing the First Four Weeks at Home
Crate rest, first exercises, warning signs checklist, and the 'Keeping the lid on' mental enrichment bonus.
$97 USD
Part 2 · Weeks 5–8
Rebuilding Strength & Return to Activity
Progressive rehabilitation — strengthening exercises, return-to-play protocols, and gait re-training through to full activity.
$97 USD
Get both parts as a bundle for $165 USD and save $29 on the complete 8-week programme.
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Ontario's first small animal rehabilitation specialist. 20+ years of expert canine rehab, pain management, and wellness care. Founded 2003.
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