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Dog acting strange 4 days after sedation and pain meds for grooming?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 8 years and 8 months old | 17 lbs

My dog was sedated to clip his coat and nails done couse no one can get near him to do it but I don’t understand why he was given a pain killing drug as well and he is behaving different to his usual self this was done 4 days ago , The day after I got a call from my certs to see how he was I thought that was strange as they have never done that before plz get back to me as I’m a little concerned, Thank you

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 12th, 2018

We would only be able to speculate here as to why they recommended pain medications for a relatively painless procedure. Unless of course they have a sedative that also had Butorphanol in it. This is a common combination drug used to achieve adequate sedation in pets. So if that was the drug used, there is a low reason for concern about any foul play. If Buster is still not back to normal however, he should be seen by your vet for a follow up. 4 days is enough time for him to recover from a sedative, so a follow up may be best if he can behave enough for a proper exam. If he is just a bit off but still eating, drinking, and has adequate energy, then he may just need a few more days. Older pets do take it a bit harder than younger adults. I hope that Buster feels better soon! Best wishes and take care.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sometimes pain medications are used also for sedation as some of them also have a sedative effect. The effect of it usually wears off within 24 hours. Good luck and have a great day!

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