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My dog won't eat after spay surgery. What's normal and what's not?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 1 year old

My dog has no appetite after spay surgery. Is this ok?

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5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 19th, 2016

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.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    No, it is not normal. Did your vet provided pain killers? If not, pain might be the reason, take her back to your vet tomorrow morning for an additional checkup.

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    13Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 5th, 2020

    Offer her some treats and see how she's doing today. If she's not seeming to be feeling better by tomorrow, take her to your vet to be rechecked. Its not unusual for their appetite to be decreased for a day or two after surgery. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Mara Howard, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 27th, 2017

    I'm sorry that Snowball is feeling a little off after her surgery. I would check to see if her incision is hot, red or swollen. There are multiple reasons she could be not eating as well, including pain/discomfort, a side effect to a medication or an underlying disease process unrelated to her surgery. I would contact Snowball's regular veterinarian to have her evaluated and any treatment that may be necessary.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 4th, 2017

    Yes, I would be concerned about this behavior from Shelby. While it is good that she otherwise seems like her normal self, it is concerning that she has lost her appetite. I would offer her a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice for a couple of days, then slowly add back in her normal diet. If she still refuses to eat her normal diet, stops eating altogether, becomes very lethargic, stops drinking water, or starts vomiting, then I would have her seen by a vet.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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