Why My Dog Is Acting Weird After Anesthesia

 If your pet was under anesthesia, it means that he had a surgery or procedure. The purpose of anesthesia is to make your pet unconscious, to eliminate pain from the equation, and to relax the muscles. Is your dog acting weird after anesthesia? Let’s find out what is happening.

Why My Dog Is Acting Weird After Anesthesia

A dog acting weird after anesthesia is extremely common. He will whine, sleep a lot and he will even forget all the house training habits. These are normal things that will last 12-24 hours. But, in some cases we can see other changes that are more severe and may require help.

Possible Anesthesia Side-Effects In Dogs

Pooping and Peeing Changes

Your dog may poop all the time or he may even have diarrhea. This happens due to the fact some of the NSAIDs medications affect the digestive tract. He will poop and pee in the house because he is confused. All of these issues should last no longer than 8 hours.

If they are still present after that time, call your vet. A dog acting weird after anesthesia is common hence you should yell at him. He will recover soon and he will pee and poop outside again. 

Refusing Food and Water

Usually, a dog will refuse food sometime after the anesthesia. This can last up to 24 hours. If he refuses it after 24 hours you should contact your vet. He has nausea hence he will not eat. He may refuse water as well but he will still urinate. This happens if a dog got intravenous liquids during the procedure. This also can last up to 24 hours. If it lasts longer, take him to a vet. 

Dog Will Stare In One Spot

This is more than just a common issue and it can last 1-2 days after the procedure. A dog will stare in one spot due to the fact he was sedated and is under pain medications. He may even feel pleasure from all this. In simple terms, your pet will be high so he will act as such.

There is no need to take him to a vet if this lasts a couple of hours. It is highly unlikely that a dog will act like this for days. However, if he is under strong pain medications, occasionally you can see him staring into the spot. 

Dog Hiding or Being Close To You All The Time

Here we can see two things and both are common and harmless. Some dogs will hide and they will refuse to get out. The procedure was a trauma for a dog hence he will want to hide and avoid other people and dogs. Some dogs will try to spend all the time they can with you. This is also normal. Usually, this lasts a couple of hours or even a few days and after that, it goes away. 

Whining

This is also a very common issue and the one that makes most dog owners nervous and scared. In reality, a dog will do this because of insufficient pain management. It is unpleasant but not extremely dangerous. You may want to contact your vet and try to get additional medications to help your pet with the pain. You can see your pet licking the wound all the time. This is how you will tell that the pain is responsible.

Your Dog Is Confused

A dog can and will probably be confused after anesthesia. This is perfectly normal and it will last the entire day. There is no need to do anything. Just make sure that he can fall or injure himself. Once this issue goes away, your dog will act normal. This happens because a dog is still partially sedated so his brain is confused and doesn’t know what to do. Some dogs will wander all around the house. Once again, this is normal as well and you shouldn’t worry about it.

What Should You Do If Your Pet Has These Symptoms

One or more of these signs can cause rough recovery. It is not as bad or dangerous as it sounds, but it can be problematic. Here are a few things you can do to help your pet and make him feel better in no time. 

The main thing to do is to bring him water and food where he rests. He is too confused and tired to go and look for food and water. Also, make sure there are no hazards around him. As you can see, he can fall on something and injure himself.

Don’t keep him in a bet either. He can fall. Do not let other dogs or kids come in contact with your dog. They can irritate the wound, scare your pet, or even make things worse. 

Play with your pet and massage his head, the top of the head more precisely. GV24 point is very appealing in this case scenario. It will calm down your dog and he will feel better.

Chicken and rice is the food your pet needs right now. This is the best meal for all dogs who have had surgery. It is a gentle food that is loaded with nutrients. You can also start taking him outside so he can pee or poop when he wants. Make sure that you monitor the progress and even help him if he can’t stay or he is wobbling around.

There is no need to tell you that you should make sure he doesn’t lick his wounds. He can irritate the wound or even infect it. Keep him cool or warm depending on the outside temperature just so he can be as comfortable as possible.

Conclusion 

A dog acting weird after anesthesia is extremely common. Most people act weird after a procedure as well. Now you know about all the things that can happen. They look bad and severe but usually, they are not. Make sure your pet is comfortable and he has enough space to recover. This can last 1-3 days and after that, almost all dogs will recover completely and there will be no other signs of complications to worry about.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will my dog act weird after anesthesia?

It’s common for dogs to experience behavioral changes for 12-24 hours post-anesthesia. However, this can vary depending on the dog’s individual response, the procedure undertaken, and the type of anesthesia used.

Is it normal for my dog to whine or be vocal after anesthesia?

Yes, some dogs may become more vocal due to disorientation or discomfort as the anesthesia wears off. Providing a quiet and comfortable space can help alleviate this behavior.

Why is my dog not eating after receiving anesthesia?

A temporary loss of appetite is common as the body is still processing the anesthesia. If the lack of appetite persists, consult your veterinarian.

Can I do something to comfort my dog during this period?

Keeping the environment calm, ensuring your dog is warm and offering gentle comfort can be helpful. Avoid overwhelming them and follow your vet’s advice on post-procedure care.

When should I become concerned about my dog’s post-anesthesia behavior?

If unusual behaviors persist for more than 24-48 hours, or if you observe signs of distress, pain, or severe disorientation, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Can I prevent my dog from acting weird after anesthesia?

While you can’t entirely prevent these behaviors, following post-care procedures, keeping the dog comfortable, and monitoring their recovery can minimize stress and expedite the return to normal behavior.

Why is my dog shivering or shaking after anesthesia?

Some dogs might shiver or shake as the anesthesia wears off, which can be due to the medicine, anxiety, or the body’s response to the procedure. Keep the dog warm and consult your vet if the shaking continues.

Are there long-term effects of anesthesia on dogs’ behavior?

Most dogs return to their normal behaviors within a few days post-anesthesia. Any prolonged behavior change should be discussed with your vet to rule out underlying issues.

Why My Dog Is Acting Weird After Anesthesia?

Dogs may act weird due to the disorienting effects of the anesthesia, the physical aftermath of a procedure, or anxiety from the unfamiliar experience. Monitoring and comforting your dog during this period is crucial.

Can dogs remember the surgical experience?

It’s unlikely that dogs have a concrete memory of the surgical experience. The effects of anesthesia typically cause a temporary amnesia, and any behavioral changes are more a response to the immediate after-effects.