Is my dog mad or just unresponsive after hospitalization/surgery?

Coming from a long hospital stay your husband smells different. He lost the "pack smell" of your home and food. So honey is treating him like an outsider, even though she knows and recognizes him. Over time this should resolve.

That's a difficult situation! It could be the two changes in environment is a little stressful for him, and he may need a few more days to settle back into his normal routine. Dogs can get stressed when they leave home for a bit, stay in a new place, and then are returned to their normal home. I would give him a few more days to see if he returns to normal, and if he doesn't, I would take him into the vet for an exam. Sometimes, a medical illness such as an infection or injury can cause a dog to act differently from normal, and it would be good to rule that out if he's not back to himself in another couple of days.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Chooch. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. Boarding can be stressful for a dog. It can also exacerbate underlying arthritis if she slept on the hard surface of a kennel floor. Her veterinarian will examine her and determine if joint pain is causing her sudden change in behavior. If so, pain medication can be prescribed. Blood work may be recommended to determine if she has any organ dysfunction as well. In the meantime, help her move around if she needs assistance. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

I am sorry to hear that. It sounds like she may be painful. Call your and see about getting her in for a recheck exam. If there is an emergency vet near you, I would recommend that you take her in to be seen. Unfortunately without seeing her and without knowing if she's received any medications at home, I cannot advise you to give her anything at home to help, she just needs to be seen by a vet. You can request a consultation so we can exchange information back and forth and I may be able to further advise you, but ideally a vet needs to examine her in person as soon as possible. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hello! If often takes some time for a pet to adjust to their brand new home and family. Most dogs need a few weeks to become confident and comfortable in their new environment. It would be helpful to know exactly what she is doing that is causing you to be concerned though. If you'd like to resubmit a question describing the possibly depressed or adjusting behavior (ie. hiding, pacing, licking, chewing, growling), I may be able to better advise. I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hello. It can take up to 24 hours for all the sedation to work through her system, so she is very likely still a bit under the influence. I would like for you to look at her gums, the tissue just above her canine teeth, to see if she looks nice & pink. If her color is pale, greyish or bluish, get her back to your vet immediately. You can certainly lay with her, & if she is just on a cold floor, I would try to get her on something warmer. The pain medication is just indicated for once a day, so you can not give her any more just yet, nor can you give any aspirin, Tylenol or Alleve. Your veterinarian may have something else on hand if it looks like she needs more, but most patients are feeling much, much better by the next day. Keep her warm & in a quiet place, & she should do just fine. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Torres! What an ordeal! With out knowing what medication he was given by your Vet I am not sure how to guide you. But when dogs spend the night at the hospital they rarely sleep well. Some dogs are very stressed and stand, bark and cry the ENTIRE time. I always tell owners, especially with older dogs, that when they go home they likely will be exhausted and sleep soundly for 12-24 hours. That in combinations with a medication that causes drowsiness is likely what is hitting Torres so hard. Also when older dogs are on IV fluids they produce more urine and that may cause dripping if he is so exhausted. My recommendation is to see how 12 hours+ at home play out. If he is still excessively tired and won't eat or drink then I would call your Vet to discuss and consider a recheck. I hope this helps and I wish Torres a speedy recovery!