My dog is sneezing and grunting after spay surgery. Is this normal?

Congratulations on your new addition! When a dog is spayed, we put a tube down their throat to help them breathe under anesthesia which can sometimes cause irritation. That might be responsible for the mild snoring. But usually a cough that is associated with that tube will start right away (not 5 days later). You didn't mention where Juniper came from, but if she was recently adopted from a shelter, she certainly could have developed an upper respiratory infection from the shelter. Often these upper respiratory infections are viral, but they can develop secondary bacterial infections as well. If Juniper seems lethargic (more tired than normal), is developing discharge from her nose, does not want to eat, or her cough is getting worse, then I would definitely recommend having your veterinarian examine her. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a tracheitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). The tube could be related to acute signs after the surgery but they usually resolve in maximum a week. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

More then likely she is having a flare up of an upper respiratory virus with the stress of surgery. Most cats are exposed to these viruses, such as cat herpes, and stress can elicit a flare up. Sneezing, runny eyes/nose, congestion, etc. are common. If there is any discoloration to any discharge, cough, or she is not eating well a recheck with your vet is indicated. For most cats however the signs will run their course in 5 to 10 days. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Molly is such a cutie! It could be that she picked up a respiratory infection or kennel cough when she was boarded. I would have her seen by a vet for this, but there's no need to rush her into a vet asap as long as she is eating and drinking normally, isn't extremely lethargic, and isn't having difficulty breathing. I can give you something to try at home to see if that helps with her breathing, but have her seen by a vet in the morning. You can try using a humidifier or bringing her into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections.

Yes, I would have Molly checked out by a vet. It could be that she is suffering from a respiratory infection, causing the sneezing and dry heaving. Given that you are worried about her, it's always good to have your pet examined by a vet, both for your piece of mind and for her health.

Oh no, poor Mylee! She sounds like she is ill, and she could be suffering from a respiratory infection causing her symptoms. I would have her seen by a vet first thing in the morning. The vet can diagnose if she is suffering from a respiratory infection and can prescribe medication for her symptoms.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If she was bright and happy, and is now lethargic again, one concern is an infection within the abdomen. This is rare after a spay but can happen as a potential complication of any abdominal surgery. I recommend you have Molly back to your vet ASAP, or to an emergency clinic if your vet is closed. They will check her abdomen with an ultrasound to see if any free fluid is present, and will test this fluid if present. They might also do a blood test to look at her white and red blood cell levels. It might just be that Molly needs more pain medications, however we must rule out a 'peritonitis' (infection in the abdominal cavity) first. Best of luck with Molly, I hope she feels better soon!