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My dog is shaky and crying after spay surgery. Should I be worried?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 3 years and 3 months old | 44 lbs

So nala and my other female got spayed today. Nala is super shaky and still crying . We took her cone off while we have her supervised cause she was just freaking out ten times more with it , she drank water but I’m just worried . Is she alright.? Bella isn’t shaking or crying like her

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on June 25th, 2018

Hi there. Different individuals can respond to anesthesia differently, just like humans. In my experience, it's not uncommon for some pets to be wobbly, confused, or otherwise "out of it" for up to 24 hours or so after an anesthetic event. As long as she's responsive and doesn't seem to be getting worse, this is likely normal. If she's still shaky and crying by tomorrow morning, I would recommend giving your vet a call as she may be painful and need some additional medication to help with this.

For tonight, you can sit and snuggle with her if she seems to want this, or leave her alone if she doesn't want to be touched. Make sure she has food and water available if she wants it. Monitor for any bleeding from the incision site, pale gums, or increased weakness or acting less responsive, as these could indicate a more serious problem that needs an ER visit.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Published on February 14th, 2018
Certainly, dogs can be uncomfortable after surgery, but often the shaking and whining is due to the effects of anesthesia. Depending on the type of anesthesia used, the side effects of anesthesia can last for 6-24 hours. In order to help a dog recover from anesthesia, I always recommend keeping them in a warm and quiet location. Most dogs prefer to stay in a kennel or confined area and just rest. That allows them to recover from the anesthesia and the pain medication to start working. By tomorrow, Aubree should be acting more normal. If she is still shaking tomorrow, I would recommend contacting your veterinarian.
I hope that was helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My dog is shaking and crying after spay surgery. Should I worry?

Poor pup! It sounds like she may be in pain still or having a hard time recovering from her surgery. I would let your vet know right away so they can either provide a different medication, or have her seen to make sure there isn't an infection or other complication that needs to be addressed.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My spayed puppy is scared and hiding. Is this normal after surgery?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy is shaking after spay. Is it normal? How to manage her pain?

What you are describing is pretty normal side effects from the anesthesia. Dogs definitely feel pain after surgery! You should only give pain medication from your vet. OTC human pain medications are not recommended. If you did not receive any pain medication to give her, call your vet so they can dispense the proper medication for you to give. Other than that, keep her as calm and quiet as possible. Don't bother her too much. Just let her sleep. Keep her away from any other pets until she is fully healed from surgery (about 10-14 days).

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat is shivering and not walking after spay. Is it anesthesia?

That is definitively possible as they may take even 24-36 hours to come fully out from anesthetic (side effects), but it is as well possible that she is experiencing pain/discomfort. I would just monitor her at this stage for the next 12 hours and if signs persist have her checked at your local veterinarian as a physical examination would be essential to understand properly the underlying cause. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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Is it normal for a dog to be wobbly and struggle to walk after spay?

Hello. It depends on how long you are talking about. If she was spayed a couple of hours ago, yes, she would still be a little woozy. If she was spayed a day or so ago, then she should have all the anesthesia out of her system. Can you check her gum color? They should be a nice pink color. If the gums look pale, grayish or blue to you, she should see a veterinarian immediately. If color is good & it has been a few days, she may be low in blood sugar. Make sure she is eating & you can give her a teaspoon of Karo syrup or honey a couple of times a day. If you are still concerned about Dolly, please take her back to your veterinarian immediately. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog was spayed yesterday. Why is she shaking and restless?

It sounds like Lucy is painful from the surgery, and if she was prescribed pain medication, I would make sure to give that to her as prescribed. Should she not have pain meds, I would call your vet now to speak to them about getting her some. Please do not give her any human pain medications, many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my dog fearful and reclusive after being spayed yesterday?

That could be due to a mix between discomfort/pain and what she experienced yesterday at the practice where she was spayed. I would wait few more days to see if she gets more comfortable and back to her normal self before being concerned. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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