Going through a surgery can be a hard time for some dogs and their owners alike, even though surgery is very important for the health of a dog. Dogs often experience various different reactions post surgery and out of all, stealing the spotlight is a common and often misunderstood reaction which is, panting. The purpose of this write-up is to explain in detail why dogs tend to pant after undergoing the anesthesia, discussing in detail covering a range of reasons such as pain, discomfort and even stress. We will be addressing these causes and hence provide some helpful tips and advice for pet owners so they can better comprehend their dog’s behavior during the recovery phase, in turn making the post surgery experience bearable for the beloved pet.
Why is my dog panting excessively after surgery?
Impact of anesthesia on the normal breathing patterns of a dog
My beloved dog has undergone a surgery which involved anesthesia, I was curious to understand if it has any impact on my dog’s behavior and after some research I found out that it indeed does have an impact. A dogs toe due to anesthesia shows temporary disorientation along with stress induced panting, which is due to the lingering impacts of the anesthetic drugs. As for the playful side of your dog, once the effect of the medication process is complete which usually takes up to a few hours the panting should stop. But in the unfortunate situation where the panting does seem to persist, it is important to visit a veterinary clinic in order to make sure you dog is not going through complications.
Causes of panting: Pain and discomfort
Surgical operations almost always include incisions and some form of tissue manipulation which in turn causes a certain degree of soreness during the post-operative period. This discomfort can be expressed in different ways, such as excessive panting, restiveness or inability to settle down. In this context, your dog could start panting after surgery due to excessive pain or discomfort. To avoid this, you must comply with the instructions of the veterinarian in regard to administering the prescribed medications as well as staying alert to watch the behavior of your pet having undergone surgery. It is also crucial to give your dog a calm and safe environment where they can go and recuperate. If the panting does not lessen despite following these measures or if it worsens, do not hesitate to call the vet for further assessment.
Post-surgical anxiety and stress panting in dogs
I understand how worrisome it is to see your dog excessively panting after the surgery. This stress panting happens when a dog is anxious due to the new feelings and environment they experience after the surgery. They tend to appear a little lost and uncomfortable during their recovery period. I usually tend my dog to make him comfortable by ensuring the volume is low and there are no abrupt moves. This makes me close to him so he can find solace and support which would help him be less tensed and more secure. In case the panting worsens even after the mentioned strategies, I make sure to contact my veterinarian to get further advice.
How can I help my dog feel comfortable after surgery?
Making an Atmosphere for Tranquil Recovery
In order to relax your dog, ensure you provide an environment that is devoid of any turmoil. Set them down in an area that is not exposed to any noise or commotion. To keep them warm, make them lay on a soft blanket or a comfy dog bed. To allow them to sleep peacefully, try to minimize or eliminate the interactions between other pets or family members with your dog. Lastly, make sure you follow all the instructions given by the vet with respect to medication and taking care of your dog. Also, make it a point that they are kept hydrated at all times.
Over the counter Medicines under the Supervision of Veterinarian
In order to manage pain for your dog’s better recovery, make sure you do not underdose or overdose with medications. Contact the Vet for precise instructions in this regard. You are also responsible to observe the condition of your dog and provide the Vet with relevant details. Do not get startled if your dog turns restless, woeful and stops eating after the surgery. The veterinarian knows best, so seek advice regarding tasks like moving or exercising the area that was affected by the surgery. In addition to this, gentle massage and heat pads are great alternatives if the veterinarian allows. All in all, combine good veterinary guidance with a loving environment to ensure a comfortable recovery for your dog.
Use of cone or other protective devices
In cases where my dog gets surgery my veterinarian always compels me to buy a device to protect the surgical site. I have always used the cone or Elizabethan collar as my dog has a tendency to lick or bite their stitches which can cause infection. Whenever I have bought my dog a traditional plastic cone she has always found them uncomfortable and instead of getting one I asked my vet for alternatives and they suggested inflatable cones which somehow do the fit well. I also frequently change the protection device so that it does not irritate my dog or any other animal I am taking care of. These all steps have helped me ensure that my dog is taken care of throughout the recovery period.
What are the signs of post-surgical complications in dogs?
Identifying signs of infection at the surgical site
The clinical features that suggest a possibility of infection involving the surgical site include redness, tenderness, the presence of an abnormal product such as pus and discharge. Problems can also arise on the basis of excessive warmth to the area on examination, as well as odor. Also, look for signs of excessive licking or tenderness around the site by your dog. If you see any of these, then please consult your vet for necessary guidance.
Checking for side effects of pain canines medication
You should observe your dog carefully picking up any signs and symptoms that are unusual or uncommon, after administering the pain medication. The common symptoms of side effects are vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite as well as abnormal general weakness than what is expected at this recovery phase in some dogs. Some dogs may show angry demeanor, hyperactivity or an unsteady walk. Also pay particular attention to any form of swelling or rash as these can be signs of allergic reactions. In whichever case you observe any of these conditions always check with the veterinarian to be sure whether your dog is tolerating the medication well or not. They may advise a change in the dosage of the medicine, a different medication or even a follow up to make sure your dog is alright.
Recognizing the symptoms of internal issues
I get that components that can be internal can be harder to recognize, however, alertness is important. I’m alert for indicators like endless vomiting bouts, pale pink colored gums, breathing problems coupled with severe and persistent pain that appears not to go over time. Also, my dog looking bloated or too tired than normal is also the indicators of internal bleeding and a lot more serious problems. As soon as I notice any of these indicators, I don’t rush to call my veterinarian since waiting will only make things worse for my dog considering pressing action is the key to ensuring it answers well.
When should I contact my veterinarian about post-surgery panting?
Panting Excessively, Post-Surgery: Causes
As a normal survival function, a canine may engage in excessive panting after major surgery due to discomfort or while under anesthesia. It is still necessary for a pet owner to always keep track of how long and how vigorously the dog pants. If a situation ever arises where your dog has been panting for too long, starts possessing signs of restlessness, or are excessively whining, it is best to reach out to your vet for assistance. These signs indicate there is a probability that the dog is in pain or is too stressed out due to some stress factor.
Manifested Symptoms Along With Excessive Panting
Excessive panting while recovering from surgery can be considered normal; however, do remember that while excessing panting other symptoms can also appear that are not so benign. Some of the examples of the benign signs would be pacing, restlessness, whining excessively and so on. Other stress inducing symptoms to observe for are rapid heartbeat, unusual vocalizations, drooling. Lastly, while the symptoms discussed above vary from mild to major symptoms, you can also witness a sudden azithma or drop in appetite along with temperature. All of these signify that the dog is in distress or in pain. If you start to notice these along with aggressive panting you should immediately reach out your vet to avoid unnecessary stress to your dog.
Follow-Up Health Services and Appointments
Basically, I try to observe post-operative care instructions provided by the veterinarian for the wellbeing of my dog. This includes scheduling all follow up appointments which would provide a better understanding of my dog’s condition. The follow-up appointments I schedule after surgery are also necessary; during these appointments, my veterinarian looks at how well the surgery site has healed and examines the pet for any complications. This evaluation and monitoring also extend to medications and treatment plans of my pet, should such interventions be necessary. Should any unusual signs or changes of the condition of my dog appear between the check-ups, I call my veterinarian and seek for qualified help. Constant attention and at-home care together with regular follow-up appointments help ensure that the recovery process is trouble-free and rapid.
How long will my dog pant after surgery?
Usual duration of a dog’s panting post surgery
Following surgical procedures, it is common for dogs to exhibit excessive panting which can be as a result of pain, anesthesia, or even stress. During recovery, dogs can sweat for a few hours to sometimes even days, this time frame is highly dependent on the dog’s condition and the type of surgery performed. If the panting persists later than the expected time then please reach out to your vet if further complications are present.
How do different factors affect panting duration?
Various elements can contribute towards how long a dog pouts after they are done with a surgery. Some of the elements include the health state, type of surgery, pain threshold and even the breed of the dog. Pain management is a crucial factor; A dog could end up panting for longer because they are not given proper pain relief or management. Other than that, if the dog is undergoing stress or anxiety because of the unfamiliar pain – or experience – then panting can get worse. Its best to calm and soothe the dog so they do not go through these emotions. If you still believe that the dog is in distress and is in pain, please reach out to your vet immediately.
Gradual return to normal breathing patterns
In my practice, normal breathing in my dog seems to be restored within a couple of days after the completion of surgery. During this period, I make sure to give them the best care in terms of comfort whenever they need it. When there are no distractions, I actually encourage them to rest by providing them with a calming unabated environment to facilitate a speedy recovery. If the panting appears persistent longer than the anticipated time, or the shrinkage seems to worsen, I usually do not hesitate seeking advice from my veterinarian. I have understood that being responsive to pain or signs of stress and reporting to the doctor during timely intervals can contribute significantly to my dog’s recovery.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Â
Q: Is my dog overpanting normal considering he went through a surgery ?
A: Yes. There can be a variety of reasons a dog pants so some post-surgery panting might be normal. If there are signs of anxiety or stress that result in the dog panting for a long time, then you should reach out to your vet as that is not normal.
Q: How can I aid my dog with post surgery pain?
A: Remember to always consult with the vet and follow their guideline on how to make your dog feel better as they might prescribe pain relieving medicine or even a sedative in milder forms. It is always better to make the dog rest in a calm and warm environment as that helps with the recovery. Always remember if your dog is in extreme pain then you should rush to your vet clinic.
Q: How long should I wait before feeding my dog after the surgery is complete?
A: It is always best to leave it to the vet to decide on when to feed the dog as there are a myriad of factors after taking into consideration they will guide you on when to feed them. But a good estimate would be 6-8 hours after surgery.
Q: What Are The Signs Of Infection I Should Look Out For After My Dogs Surgery?
A: The symptoms of Post operative infection in dogs can include excessive redness, swelling or discharge from the incision site, foul odor, fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and persistent pain. If they notice any of these signs or symptoms, it’s important that they contact their veterinarian as soon as possible, as their dog may require extra treatment.
Q: After The Surgery, How Long Until My Dog Has A Bowel Movement?
A: Bowel movements after dog surgery can take 24 – 72 hours, which is normal for most dogs. This can also be caused by the anesthesia effect, pain medication and a temporary loss of appetite. If your dog hasn’t had a bowel movement even after 72 hours, it’s time you got in touch with your veterinarian.
Q: After My Dog’s Surgery, Should She Wear A Cone?
A: Yes, in most instances, it is advised to attach one. An Elizabethan collar (cone) is used because it stops your dog from licking or chewing at the surgical site, which could result in wound infection or reopening. Depending on the Surgery type and healing progress your veterinarian might recommend to wear a cone for 7 to 14 days.
Q: Why does it appear that my dog has been feeling down after the surgery?
A: There is a high possibility for dogs to look lethargic and depressed after being put through a surgery, these feelings can be caused due to being stressed, put on anesthetics and due to the pain caused to the pet. Most of the time pets due to the pain will appear lethargic, lose their appetite or for a couple of days will just seem out of it. However, if the behavior continues for more than 3-4 days then it is best recommended to consult a veterinarian.
Q: How can I assist my dog in urinating after the surgery?
A: Dogs that have undergone surgery will need assistance while walking, therefore, it is best to take your dog for short walks after the surgery to help with urination. However, do remember that if the dog has not urinated in the past 12 hours then do contact a veterinarian.
Q: What is the recommended time frame during which I should restrain my dog after the surgery?
Part A: Bodily activity should be minimized for the time frame which has been given by the veterinarian as too much movement of the body can lead to improper healing of scars. Always make sure to follow the guidelines which have been provided by the vet. Pets usually require a week to a two week downtime from physical activity depending on what type of surgery was done.
