Dog spayed today: Why no appetite, just sleeping? Where should she recover?

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.

The onesies may be uncomfortable or stressful for her. Try taking them off at feeding time. Watch her closely though so she doesn't get to her incision. You can also warm her food slightly or mix in a teaspoon of plain baby food to stimulate the appetite.

Thank you for posting this question! Males are typically feeling pretty good and eating within 12 hours or so if being home ( i.e. the next morning). They may be sore for a few days (hopefully he was sent home with pain medications), but are typically wanting to be more active then we want them to be by day 3 or 4. If he is not eating within 12 hours or so if being home then please call your veterinarian. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

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.

Great question! In general, there should be no reason that you would need to change her diet after her spay. She may not be as hungry as usual this evening since she may be sore and still a bit sleepy from the anesthesia, so I would suggest feeding her about half of her normal dinner tonight. Starting the following day, it should be fine for her to go back to her normal amount of food :)

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You absolutely did the right thing. Spaying dogs is the best option to help prevent certain conditions such as pyometra and reduce the possibility of mammary tumors. Usually dogs recover very quickly after surgery and she is expected to be fine after surgery. It may take her a few days to be back to normal but that would be the expectation. Rest comfortably that you did the right thing. Good luck and have a good night!

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!