Puppy breathing fast and slow after spay surgery, should I worry?

I agree that this is a pretty rapid respiratory rate for Daisy, particularly if she's resting while breathing this quickly. As you mentioned, it's very possible that this fast breathing is due to post-operative pain. However, if she's currently receiving pain medication after surgery, it's a bit less likely. Other causes of rapid breathing can include stress or anxiety, blood clots in the lungs, heart disease, pneumonia, among others. Regardless, it would be best to take Daisy to the vet urgently for evaluation. If the vet suspects pain as the cause, they will be able to prescribe additional pain medications. Otherwise, they will be able to perform any necessary diagnostic testing, which may include chest x-rays or blood clotting times to try to get to the bottom of this issue. I hope that everything goes well for Daisy!

I would recommend counting Bella's respiratory rate when she is completely asleep - if she is tachypneic because of respiratory or cardiac disease it should continue during sleep. If her respiratory rate is less than 30 when she is sleeping the rapid breathing is probably behavioral. If her sleeping respiratory rate is over 30 (it is important that she is in deep sleep), or if she starts coughing or has an increase in effort when breathing you should see a vet right away.

Panting can be a sign of pain or discomfort. I would recommend calling your vet and letting them know about the panting. If she isn't on a pain medication then she may need some, or need additional medication. Also be sure her gums look nice and pink. If they are pale in color then she needs to be seen right away. Other signs to watch for would include lethargy, decreased appetite, heat or swelling or discharge around her incision, or fever (rectal temperature over 102.5). If these occur, she needs to see the vet ASAP.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would say that occasional episodes of rapid breathing are not necessarily a cause to panic. Do take note of the timing though. Does it seem to be when the pain medication is wearing off or has it started since stopping pain medication? If so, talk to your vet. Some cats just need a few extra days of pain medication. Certain medications are also ok to give more often but ALWAYS ask your vet first as some of them are very UNSAFE to give more often. Of course, always watch attitude and appetite and if anything else seems amiss (coughing, difficulty breathing, etc), head to the vet right away. Best of luck to you and Sophie!

Puppies do breathe a bit faster while asleep than adult dogs. An occasional sneeze or nasal drip is fine. Monitor for lethargy, decreased appetite, difficulty breathing or a yellow or green nasal discharge. See your veterinarian for an exam if any of these symptoms develop.

Abdominal surgery is a serious surgery, especially when infection is involved. So sleeping a lot would be normal and one way of healing. The shivering and panting is likely caused by pain, so make sure she takes her pain medicine on time. Best let her rest. She may not be hungry today, which is okay. Make sure she has fresh water available. She should be a lot better tomorrow.

Dakota is likely in pain after the surgery. Your veterinarian should have given you some pain medicine for her to give according to his instructions. You should put her in a quiet place with some water and bland food. If you did not get pain medicine you will need to see your vet in order to get some.