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My dog is panting on and off after spay. Is this normal or pain?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 5 months and 24 days old | 10.6 lbs

Is panting normal after a spay? She's not panting all the time but through out the day today I've seen her do it on and off. Everything else seems to be normal.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 25th, 2017

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.

13Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 17th, 2017
This is a medical emergency. These symptoms suggest that Belle may have a complication from the surgery itself or a reaction to her medication. She need to be seen and evaluated by your vet as soon as possible. Panting can be a sign of pain, sepsis (bacteria in the bloodstream),anemia (low blood cell count) or as I mentioned earlier an adverse effect of the medicaiton she is on. But her not eating suggests she may either be in pain or have an infection stemming from her surgery site. Please take her in right away.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on December 26th, 2018
The incision looks very good, i don't think these symptoms are related to the spay and it definitely doesn't look infected. nevertheless if these symptoms do not resolve today, i would recommend taking her to your vet to get it checked and treated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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