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My puppy is throwing up and won't eat 3 days after spay. Normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 15 lbs

My puppy just before spayed 3 days ago and had been acting normal. Today she started throwing up and won’t eat. Is this something to worry about or is it normal?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 10th, 2018

It can be normal to vomit once or twice in the 24 hours following anesthesia but I wouldn't expect Sadie to be experiencing side effects from anesthesia at this point. I would recommend having your veterinarian examine her if the vomiting and decreased appetite continue: it may or may not be related to her recent surgery. If she is on a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medication like carprofen or meloxicam it would be best to discontinue the medication since these can sometimes cause stomach upset - your vet can prescribe a different pain medication if necessary.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 7th, 2017
I am sorry you are having so much trouble with Layla. Since she is not eating or drinking for you, her hydration is a concern. If she is no longer vomiting, you can try Pedialyte or Gatorade or chicken broth for her to help maintain her hydration until your vet opens. I am sure they will check her incision and temperature and possibly do blood work or x rays to find out what is going and if it is related to her surgery or not. Anesthesia can cause nausea and change in stool for 24 hours but she should not have any lasting affects from that at this point.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on September 19th, 2018
Hi there! Sorry to hear that Layla is not feeling well. The clinical signs you describe are concerning when they occur in a puppy as they can be seen with serious gastrointestinal infections such as Parvovirus. Other possibilities include intestinal worms and dietary indiscretion, among other possibilities. The sooner these conditions are treated the better the outcome tends to be. For this reason, I recommend that you have Layla evaluated by your veterinarian to check for these possibilities and to start therapy based on findings. At the very least they can address dehydration if present and start her on anti-nausea medications. Good luck! Keeping my fingers crossed for your girl!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on June 27th, 2019
Poor Melody! At 6 days after surgery, the vomiting and loss of appetite may be due to an unrelated problem - but to be safe, I would definitely recommend having her seen by your veterinarian. He/she can do blood work or other testing if needed to help determine if this is surgery-related or a separate problem, and get her started on appropriate treatment depending on what is found.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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