Why Dogs Act Strangely After Surgery explained

Having surgery can be a stressful and confusing experience for a dog, often leading to unusual behaviour when they return home. Understanding why dogs act strangely after surgery can help you support your pet through recovery and ease the process for the entire household.

Why Dogs Show Strange Behaviours After Surgery

There are a few main reasons why your dog might behave differently following an operation. One significant factor is the lingering effects of anaesthesia. Even after the initial drowsiness fades, some anaesthetic agents can remain in the body for days or weeks, causing disorientation, lethargy, or changes in responsiveness.

Post-surgical pain is another contributor. Discomfort—even if not obvious—can make a dog irritable or anxious. Pain medications given during recovery can also affect mood, potentially leading to increased clinginess or defensive behaviours.

How Other Pets React to Your Dog After Surgery

If you have other pets at home, you might notice tension or aggression when reintroducing your dog after surgery. This is often due to your dog carrying unfamiliar smells from the veterinary clinic such as disinfectants, medicines, or other animals. These new scents can confuse or alarm your other pets, disrupting the established home hierarchy especially if your dog is the alpha.

Careful, gradual reintroduction is essential if your dog has been away for a longer period, usually more than two weeks. Keeping pets separated initially and allowing them to sniff each other’s scents indirectly can ease the transition and reduce conflict.

Understanding and Managing Irritable Behaviour

A dog recovering from surgery may become irritable or more defensive, particularly if the surgical site is touched. This is a normal protective response linked to pain or vulnerability, not a change in personality. It's important to respect your dog's boundaries during recovery and avoid forcing interactions.

Give your dog plenty of quiet time and try to maintain as much of their routine as possible to help them feel secure. Avoid interference when your pets interact, and resist showing favouritism which might cause jealousy.

Signs Your Dog May Be Depressed Following Surgery

Similar to humans, dogs can experience a period of depression after surgery. You might observe reluctance to eat, difficulty sleeping, less enthusiasm for grooming, or a desire to be alone. This often results from the sudden changes in environment, routines, and confinement experienced during hospitalisation.

While mild depressive behaviour is normal, prolonged symptoms—such as refusal to eat or persistent lethargy—should prompt a consultation with your vet to rule out complications or underlying issues.

Attention-Seeking and Behaviour Changes

Your dog may become more demanding of your attention as a response to feeling insecure post-surgery. It’s natural to want to comfort your pet, but overdoing treats or excessive indulgence can encourage unwanted behaviours like whining or excessive clinginess.

Instead, provide gentle reassurance while supporting their independence, setting boundaries that prevent habituation to attention-seeking that could lead to challenges later on.

Managing Accidents and House Soiling After Surgery

Some dogs might have accidents indoors after surgery, due to medication effects or stress-induced anxiety. This is often their way of re-establishing territory or coping with confusion.

Never reprimand your dog for accidents during recovery. Clean the area thoroughly with enzymatic cleaners to remove odours and consider placing their water and food bowls in the spot to discourage repeated soiling. Patience, understanding, and a consistent routine will help your dog return to normal house habits gradually.

Additional Tips for Supporting Your Dog’s Recovery

• Monitor your dog closely for any signs of pain, discomfort, or abnormal behaviour and keep in regular contact with your vet.
• Maintain a calm, quiet environment to reduce stress during recovery.
• Offer gentle exercise and social interaction when your vet advises, balanced with plenty of rest.
• Follow all post-surgical care instructions thoroughly, including wound care and medication administration.

If you are looking to find a puppy or adopt a healthy dog, always choose reputable breeders or shelters to ensure your new pet's long-term health and wellbeing. Responsible ownership is key to raising a happy, healthy dog that can recover well from any medical procedures it may need in life.

By understanding the physical and emotional challenges your dog faces post-surgery, you can create a supportive environment that helps them feel safe and loved. Remember, most behavioural changes are temporary, and with patience and care, your dog will soon be back to their usual self.