Hi everyone! It’s Bacon’s mom. I’ve got a couple of questions. Bacon seems almost depressed today. He hasn’t eaten any of his dog food today. He’s not drinking very much either. The only thing he’s eaten is 2 slices of bread with a little peanut butter that I put his medicine in. He’s been willing to go outside but, didn’t want to move around alot.
His incisions look really good! No more busted stitches. Doesn’t seem to be in pain. Is there anything I need to be doing?
Is this a normal phase? We are 1 week today post surgery. Any suggestions, comments and advice are greatly appreciated!! Thanks you guys!!
Hi Bacon’s mom.
I know that some dogs crash after the excitement and stress of the whole ordeal. If he is still on pain meds, that can effect mood and behavior too. Sam didn’t seem himself that first week until he started coming off of meds.
Try adding some chicken broth to his water or moisten up his food if hes eating kibble. Make it a little more appetizing. If hes a big boy, elevating dishes can make it easier too.
Don’t be afraid to call your vet. That is why they are there. They can check him out to ensure hes doing great, which it sounds like he is even if today was a bit of a setback.
We are sending you the best healthy energy, from our family to yours.
Hugs,
Samdog’s mom
Thanks you guys!! I’ll try your suggestions! I knew you guys would be able to help!!
Yes. It is normal for them to go thru a depression. Daisy hit hers at about week three. I couldn’t get her off the couch. She just seemed so sad and I worried that I did the wrong thing (amputating her leg) and I’d never get my girl back. But one week later she perked up and her personality started coming back. One week is still early in the recovery.
Bacon’s recovery sounds like it is going great!
Marla and Daisy
Well it does seem to hit them after a few days and I know that Fizz lost some zest about a week ??
I think that they are running on adrenaline for a while, so once everything calms down ….. it seems to hit them
If his incision isn’t too warm to the touch or an angry red or discharge coming from it , then I’d not think there would be an infection ??
I think that it’s probably just hit him after everything he’s been through :0)
as long as he’s drinking something and taking his medication ok then I wouldn’t worry too much just yet , but if it continues contact your vet especially if his symptoms get worse.
Bacon’s been through a really traumatic event and he’s probably over done it as he’s been running on adrenaline, and now the adrenaline has passed the true feelings and shock start to sink in, so he will be trying to process everything.
He’s also like Fizzle’s they think they are invincible and over do the hopping the first few days 🙂
Some dogs suffer from phantom pain though Fizz didn’t or at least didn’t show it, but it may also be a factor ??
Try him on something you know he adores ” STEAK !!” but don’t be too worried as long as he’s drinking a lil and taking his pills, he may just be feeling off colour as we all do from time to time 🙁
I hope these help a bit , but just rely on the fact that You Know Bacon and if you feel something is not right or if you think he’s just feeling low ~ then go with your Gut Instincts
He’s a brave boy who’s had a really hard time so I think that he’s probably just feeling sorry for himself
take care
love zena and fizzles xoxoxox
This also happened to Max. I remember that whenever he skipped a meal, we thought it was the end! Crazy parents!! The meds could be affecting him. They did to Max. He seemed depressed some days, wasn’t interested in eating his food, but would eat other types of food. Also, if Bacon doesn’t like to take pills, he may have figured it out if you were putting it in his regular meals. That was really the issue with our boy. Maybe add something a little more enticing to his regular meals, like some cooked ground meat, or chicken. And always remember, if you get really freaked out, do not hesitate to call your vet! That’s what they’re there for!
I can’t really top what everyone else said. Yup, this is usually a phase that they go through after surgery. Keep in mind that dogs in the wild instinctually want to be alone and hide out while recuperating. Oftentimes we attribute this kind of crash to the pain meds wearing off. But again, go with your instincts; call your vet if anything seems out of the ordinary or not what others have described here. You know Bacon best.
Give him a big hug from Tripawds!