My dog was just spayed. What are normal post-op recovery signs?

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.

It can definitely be normal for dogs to be quieter than usual for a few days after a surgical procedure. Moki is probably somewhat sore, and may still be getting some of the anesthesia drugs out of his system. As long as he's eating and drinking normally and still gets excited about the things he normally would, I wouldn't be overly concerned. Most dogs are back to normal by 7-10 days after surgery.

Some dogs do get lethargic after surgery but some do not and in fact have to take sedatives to keep them still. Monitor Bella closely for vomiting, diarrhea or acting like she doesn’t feel good. Otherwise, try to keep her from running, jumping, playing and make sure she cannot lick at the incision. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

It's important to make sure Panda is eating and drinking, and I would rest her as much as possible. She's not supposed to play as too much activity can lead to complications such as wound breakdown and a seroma (pocket of fluid). Check out her incision twice a day, and if you see any redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, those are signs of infection and she will need to see a vet. Should she stop eating and drinking, or begins vomiting or lethargic, call the vet right away. I hope this helps and Panda recovers well!

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.

That looks pretty good for two days post spay. Keep doing what you're doing for another ten days or so and then she can be a normal dog again. If it gets red, hot, starts seeping or bleeding, or if she stops eating or acts sick in any way, get her rechecked by your vet right away.

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.