My dog hasn't pooped since spay surgery yesterday. Should I worry?

It is normal to have no bowel movement for 24-48 hours after an anesthetic procedure. The anesthesia will slow down gut motility short term, so defecation is sometimes delayed. Also, if Daisy is on a medication such as Tramadol or Buprenex, these cam also cause constipation and you should discontinue these if Daisy has not gone within 48 hours. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation.

Occasionally after spaying, dogs will have no appetite for the first 12-24 hours. This may be due to the lingering effects of [anesthesia](https://www.petcoach.co/article/pets-and-anesthesia-everything-you-need-to-know) and/or some post operative discomfort. If she still has no appetite two days after spaying, I would be concerned that she may be in [pain](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-measure-your-dogs-pain) or there may be another underlying concern affecting her[ recovery](https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-ways-to-rest-your-pet-after-surgery-or-injury). Call your veterinarian to discuss your concerns. He or she may recommend a recheck, and some more [pain medication](https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-pain-relief-solutions-for-dogs). In the meantime, take a look at her incision site. If it is red, swollen and hot to the touch, she needs to see your veterinarian right away as these symptoms may indicate infection. You can also try offering her a bland diet of boiled chicken and white rice or some treats to stimulate her appetite.

Hello and thank you for your question. Masha my hold her bowels for 24 hours without a lot of problem. She should have urinate within 12 hours. Call the veterinarian and ask if they took her out to urinate. That will give you an idea of time. Also ask if she received IV fluids during the procedure. Pets that get these fluids often don't really drink at home that first night because their body go fluids. Do make sure to discuss the urination as well. As long as she is under the influence, she probably won't go to the bathroom but still take her out every couple hours and give her to opportunity. If there is a favorite spot to go that is not a walk to get to, go there first. Offer her half her normal amount of food tonight and don't be too worried if she doesn't eat. Make sure to give her pain meds as directed. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

This can happen. Between being fasted prior to surgery and pain medications, his GI system may be empty yet or slow. Continue to feed him as you normally and he will eventually defecate. If he doesn't within 48 hours of eating normal meals, have him rechecked by your veterinarian.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. Poor Lemon Drop! Given that she has not pooped in four days, I do think it's best she sees a vet immediately. I would take her into a vet now. Best of luck.

It could be there is something wrong. Give Lilo a tablespoon of canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) with her food to see if that helps. Also try feeding her canned food and adding water to it. If it does not, have her seen by a vet in the morning. Best of luck.

It is common for dogs and cats not to pass stool for several days after these types of surgeries - probably due to the drugs used during anesthesia and the lack of food intake before and after the surgery. I usually don't get concerned until 5 days have passed as long as the cat is eating normally, is not vomiting, and is not straining or attempting to defecate. I bet Jones will go in the next couple of days!