What Are the Signs That a Female Puppy Is Sick After Spaying?

Spaying is a surgical procedure in which a female dog̵7;s reproductive organs are removed. The procedure is administered in order to prevent the dog from becoming pregnant. Once spayed, a female dog will no longer come into season, or experience the period of two to three weeks when she is fertile, drips blood and is attractive to male dogs. Another benefit of spaying is that the spayed dog will have a greatly reduced risk of breast cancer and will not be subject to uterine infections or cancers. Normally the spaying procedure and recovery are trouble-free, but there are things to watch for that could indicate a puppy is sick after being spayed.

  1. Lethargy

    • A puppy that is lethargic is not feeling well. While a pup may be lethargic immediately after spaying due to the anesthetic or to feeling uncomfortable after surgery, the lethargy usually doesn̵7;t last long. If she continues to seem uninterested in things around her and has little or no energy, contact the veterinarian who did the surgery right away. The puppy may be developing an infection or another problem that could become serious if not treated.

    Fever

    • It is always a good idea to keep a rectal thermometer on hand in order to be able to take a puppy̵7;s temperature. It is a simple process that involves inserting a lubricated thermometer a short distance into the dog̵7;s rectum and holding it there until the dog's temperature has time to register. Pet owners who have never done this may want to have a veterinarian teach them the procedure. If a puppy develops a fever after being spayed, it is likely the dog has an infection and may need antibiotics. Contact her veterinarian immediately.

    Not Eating

    • While it is not uncommon for a dog to refuse to eat immediately after surgery, she should not refuse for more than 24 hours after she comes home. If she seems uninterested in food, you can try to tempt the puppy with some cooked chicken or another tasty treat, but it is best to avoid things that contain a lot of fat. If she refuses to eat for a full day she may be ill; you should have her checked by her veterinarian as soon as possible.

    Vomiting

    • It is possible that a puppy may begin vomiting after being spayed. While vomiting may be a reaction to the anesthetic, it can also be a sign of a more serious problem. If the dog is vomiting repeatedly, or if the vomiting is accompanied by other signs of illness such as dehydration, decreased urination, or stools that are black and tarry, she may be suffering from acute renal failure. This is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate veterinary care.