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Why is my spayed foster dog aggressive to other dogs after surgery?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

i recently got a foster through a rescue and she got spayed thursday. shes been really aggressive and mean to all my other dogs. she wont get along with them when i introduced them she growls at them and acts like she wants attack them. could this all be from surgery and her coming into a new enviroment and shes scared? i just need some advice on what to do. when she was at the animal shelter she tested well with other dogs. thanks in advance

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on July 1st, 2017

A bitch spay is a big operation and it takes a dog a good while to settle from it due to the pain and anaesthesia. This could certainly have put her out of sorts. I would give her another week or so to settle and if she is no better then, it may be personality clash and would be best to speak to s behaviourist.

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 14th, 2019

    This is very concerning behavior! I'm wondering if there is something triggering Quinn's behavior - perhaps a sound or another person or pet that might be making her feel anxious. I would recommend having Quinn examined by your vet since this seemed to coincide with the spay surgery to make sure she isn't in pain and reacting this way because of it. If she seems medically normal then it is difficult to know why she has had this sudden behavior change but you should have a conversation with your vet about what to do next - aggression without warning can result in serious bites.

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