If a human family member was having a surgical procedure, there are a few things you'd be sure to do for them. You'd probably drive them to the hospital and pick them up after, you'd talk over their nerves with them if they were worried, you'd make sure they had everything they needed and maybe give a few special treats to cheer them up after.

Many people love their dogs as much as any other member of their household, but it can be trickier to know how to support them through a surgical procedure--particularly when there's no way of explaining to them what's going on or why it has to happen! So what can you do to help your canine companions out?

Follow your animal surgeon's advice to the letter.

Just like humans, dogs have to fast before they receive anaesthesia. Unlike humans, you can't explain to a dog how important this is or how dangerous it could be if they don't. Make sure you don't feed your dog for the period of time your vet has requested, and be vigilant for other sources of food: stolen treats and things they might find outdoors all count. If you're worried your dog might have found a way to sneak something to eat, be sure and tell the vet ASAP.

Make sure your dog has everything they need in advance.

When you take your dog in for their procedure, make sure you're leaving them with some of their own food to eat afterwards (this will cheer them up a lot better than unfamiliar food provided by the vet's office), a blanket that smells of you and of home and anything else the vet has recommended that you bring in with you.

Some procedures will require a period of at-home confinement following them. Make sure you remember to ask about this, and if it's necessary get a playpen, crate or other enclosure set up with everything they'll need before you go. It can be a good idea to introduce them to this area pre-surgery, so that it's not strange and unfamiliar when they come home to it.

Don't give your dog too much extra affection.

Dogs aren't like humans. When people are sad, they need a hug and some reassurance--but when a dog is sad, lots of attention is often read as meaning "you are right to be sad about this, it is a terrible awful thing and I am as scared as you are". Your dog appreciates you love, of course--but in a stressful situation, what your dog needs from you is a clear signal that everything is okay and there is nothing to get stressed out over.