My dog is scooting, licking, and panting after spay. Is this normal?

Hello, sorry to hear about Kaia. They could indeed have some discharge from the vulva for a few days after spaying. However, any frank blood would not be considered normal and should be addressed immediately. Lethargy can persist for a few days as well, especially if on pain medications. The watery discharge from the incision could indicate that she is having a small incision infection or that she is developing a seroma (liquid produced by the body) due to excessive movement. You can cold compress the area 3 times daily for the next 3 days, then switch to warm compress 3 times daily and see if this improves the discharge from the incision. You must keep her rested to allow for full recovery. If you note any persistent discharge from her vulva then she should be evaluated by her veterinarian. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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.

The incision looks normal. Her behavior is not. I recommend a recheck exam. She could be painful or could have a urinary infection. If the doxycycline is causing a stomach upset they may be able to switch antibiotics. They can put her on pain medication also to make her more comfortable. I recommend feeding wet food with added water in it so she doesn't get dehydrated. Again most dogs are back to normal in a day or two after the surgery so please bring her in for a recheck to make sure there is no complication. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Luna.

Poor Abby! Discharge is not common from surgical incisions, but a very small amount of clear discharge can still be within normal limits. However, if the discharge is bloody or pus-like, this could be indicative of an incisional infection or suture reaction. Regardless, since Abby is panting and acting abnormally, I do recommend taking her to the vet for evaluation since this could be a sign of pain. Until you take her to the vet, be sure to keep an e-collar (cone) on Abby to prevent her from licking at her incision, as this would likely make matters worse. I hope this helps and that she feels better soon!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Luna. I do recommend that she sees a veterinarian today. Her incision appears to be healing well. I do not see redness, swelling or discharge draining out. However, pictures can be deceiving. I am more worried that she is not eating. The diarrhea needs to be addressed as well. The veterinarian will examine her and take her temperature. A fever, for example, can indicate an infection. If you stopped her medications, which is reasonable given the diarrhea, she may be very painful now though. This too can affect appetite. The veterinarian will guide you on any testing or treatment options. In the meantime, keep her quiet, encourage her to drink so she doesn't become dehydrated and do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

It is impossible to completely keep them confined. Keep doing the best you can and keep the incision clean and dry. You may notice a little swelling around the incision called a Seroma from the activity, but it will resolve over the next week. Keep using her pain medicine as directed. If she was in pain she would it be as active either

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.