Is my dog mad or just unresponsive after hospitalization/surgery?

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My dog was hospitalized Tuesday after a dog attack that left her with two hernias and a punctured abdomen. She’s been through surgery and has been in the ICU for 3 days and I visited her yesterday however she didn’t acknowledge my presence and was mostly unresponsive, she would only react to noises outside of the room. Is this normal for a dog who’s been hospitalized or she is mad at me? Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | unspayed | 1 year old | 7 lbs

Catherine Stecyk · Accepted Answer

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm so sorry to hear that this happened to Cookie - I hope she is recovering well in the ICU! This is very normal for dogs to show little reaction when their owners visit, especially if they are on numerous medications, including pain medications. These medications can make them very drowsy and "out of it", so they aren't acting their normal selves. There is always a component of confusion too - because they do not realize that being caged in a strange new place away from home (i.e., an ICU) is for their benefit so they can heal and come home. I think Cookie just needs a little more time to heal and wean off some of her medications, and she should get back to her usual loving self! I hope this is helpful.

Is my dog mad or just unresponsive after hospitalization/surgery?

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