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My dog just got neutered. Is vomiting and lethargy normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered | 2 years and 10 months old | 47 lbs

Buster got neutered today, and he is usually a very enthusiastic dog who likes to run around and play.. but when he got home, he began to throw up everywhere and he is just laying down.. is this normal for a dog to act this way? is there anything seriously wrong, do i need to take him back to my vet?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Summer Walker, DVM, MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 20th, 2018

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Buster, it can be exhausting on surgery day. It can be considered a "normal" occurrence for pets to be tired the day of surgery due to the anesthesia and analgesics (pain control medications) administered for the surgery itself. On occasion they may also experience some mild vomiting (i.e. once following a car ride, after eating supper/drinking water). Buster should want to sleep tonight and we do not want him running around/playing until the surgery site is healed (minimum 2 weeks). If he is too mobile/active this could result in hemorrhaging at the surgery site or failure of the incision. If he continues to vomit, seems painful/agitated, or excessively tired/lethargic then he should be evaluated by his veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian. I instruct my clients to always monitor there mucous membrane (oral gum) color at home the night following surgery to make sure it stays pink (normal color).

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on April 19th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Bouchon!

He sounds nauseous, which isn't unusual after surgery and anesthesia. I would with hold food and water until the drooling has stopped. Then start with small sips of water. He may not be interested in food for 12-24 hours and that is fine. If he continues to vomit I would press the issue to hunt down your Vet to get antinausea medication. Anesthesia can cause shaking as well. It is normal for them to shake after anesthesia because they feel weird, high, there is some pain, he is nauseous and he could be a bit cold as well. Most male dogs feel about 100% with in 24 hours of neutering surgery. I would expect the same for Bouchon!

I wish you the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog is throwing up after neuter surgery. Is this normal for him?

Hi, and thanks for your question. That could be completely normal after the procedure and anesthesia. I would suggest to withhold food for the next 8-12 hours and then start feeding with a bland diet based on boiled chicken and rice in small portion every 6 hours for the following 48hours. Then gradually reintroduce the normal diet over 5 days. I would definitively recommend a veterinary check up if the signs persist or you notice diarrhoea, more vomiting, lethargy or inappetence. 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!

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My cat is tired and guarding legs after neuter. Is this normal?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! He may still be having some of the possible post-anesthesia side effects such as tiredness. This can sometimes last 24-36 hours. If no improvement is observed in the next day or so then have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment to make sure that nothing more serious is going on. Good luck and have a good night!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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