How to Take Care of a Chihuahua With a C Section

Caring for your Chihuahua following a C-section is critical in the first few days. You will need to watch her carefully for signs of pain, an elevated temperature, vomiting, diarrhea, or persistent coughing. In addition, you will have to monitor her activity level. Remember that she has just been through surgery and requires extra attention and a lot of rest. Keeping her calm, relaxed and comfortable will go a long way to help her recover.

Things You'll Need

  • Pain medication and antibiotics
  • Elizabethan collar
  • Chicken breast, turkey or lean ground beef
  • Potato, rice or pasta
  • Puppy formula and bottles
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take her to her bed as soon as she arrives home. It should be placed in a warm--yet not too hot--location. She may still be groggy from the effects of the anesthesia. Let her rest, but check on her periodically.

    • 2

      Watch your chihuahua for coughing. She may cough for a day or two as a result of her being intubated during the surgery. If it persists, you should consult your veterinarian.

    • 3

      Manage her pain. If she is crying, panting or is restless, she is probably in pain. Your veterinarian should have prescribed a pain medication for her. Sometimes it will include a sedative to help her sleep.

    • 4

      Watch her temperature. Be sure to give her antibiotic on schedule as instructed. If her temperature goes to 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, you should contact your veterinarian.

    • 5

      Be aware that she may vomit from drinking too much water all at once. If the vomit is very watery, this is most likely the cause. You can limit the amount of water she drinks at one time. She may also vomit from her medication. If it occurs within an hour of receiving the medication and is preceded by drooling, this may be the cause. Contact your veterinarian for an alternate medication. Vomiting can also occur as a result of the anesthesia. If it persists for more than one day, consult your veterinarian.

    • 6

      Be tolerant. Do not be concerned if she does not want to eat for the first day or two after the surgery. Most likely, she will not want her regular dog food. When she is ready, you can offer her cooked chicken breasts, turkey or lean ground beef mixed with an equal portion of potato, rice or pasta. If it becomes a concern, hand feeding may encourage her to eat.

    • 7

      Restrict her activity until her stitches are removed. Jumping and running can cause the stitches to tear prematurely. You may need to leash walk her during this time. Keep her confined to one area inside your home.

    • 8

      Stop her from licking the site of the surgery by using an Elizabethan collar to prevent her from reaching the area. Licking can open the incision, cause an infection. That can also delay the process of healing.

    • 9

      Keep an eye on her bowel movements. She probably will not have one for 4 or 5 days after the surgery. This is a result of fasting prior to--and lack of appetite after--the surgery. If she does not have a bowel movement on the fifth day, you may give her stool softener mixed in her food.

    • 10

      Help her with her puppies as she recovers. If she is willing and seems able to do so, allow her to nurse. If you notice that she is uncomfortable, you should bottle feed her babies until she is ready for them.