Will Anesthesia Make My Dog Pant More?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Pain.

Pain is another reason your dog may pant or breathe heavily after surgery

. If the drugs used to manage pain during anesthesia are wearing off, you may start to see changes in your dog’s behavior. Discussing your dog’s pain-management plan at the surgical discharge appointment can help you avoid this.

Do Dogs pant when sedated?


If you notice your dog panting after anesthesia, shaking or trembling, those can be signs of pain, too

. Follow the home instructions you were given for pain medication, but don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian or the surgery center with your concerns.

What are the side effects of anesthesia in dogs?

Typical anesthesia side effects can include

minor vomiting and diarrhea, as well as a decreased appetite and activity level

. Note: if you are worried that your dog may be experiencing an above-normal level of these side effects, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

Why is my dog panting 4 days after surgery?

Panting or opened mouth breathing while at rest following surgery can mean a couple of things.

It can be caused by anxiety

. Your dog had a long, hard day, and it may take some time for them to relax and settle. After some time, this should ease.

Do dogs pant a lot after surgery?

My dog is panting/breathing heavily after surgery.


Persistent panting and heavy breathing are not normal findings after surgery

. They can occur for a few reasons, with some being more serious than others. If you are seeing changes in your dog’s breathing, check in with your veterinarian right away.

How long does it take for dog to recover from anesthesia?

With today’s anesthetics, many of which are reversible, your dog should be almost completely normal by the time of discharge. Many dogs are sleepy or tired for

twelve to twenty-four hours

after anesthesia.

Should I let my dog sleep after anesthesia?

room. Your pet may also feel groggy and tired even hours after the operation is performed. Do not worry,

being sleepy is normal

. Sometimes, an animal will seem fully alert after surgery, and then suddenly tired.

How can I help my dog after anesthesia?

  1. Set up a quiet, comfortable space where they can rest in peace. …
  2. Keep your dog indoors except when going to the bathroom. …
  3. Stick to the schedule when administering pain relievers and other medication. …
  4. Monitor the surgical site for abnormal developments.

Why is my dog acting weird after being under anesthesia?

When your dog comes out of surgery,

their body temperature may be lower than normal, leading to shaking

. That’s because the drugs dilate the blood vessels allowing body heat to escape. If your pup is still cold when they get home, keep them calm, comfortable and covered with a blanket in a warm room.

Can medication make my dog pant?

Medications, especially prednisone or other steroids,

may cause increased panting even when your dog is not hot, excited, or stressed

. This is a common side effect, and if your dog’s panting is excessive, you should talk with your vet.

How do you calm an anxious dog after surgery?

  1. You do the work. When possible, carry your pet up and down stairs, or over any more challenging obstacles. …
  2. Get out the crate. …
  3. Keep your dog on a short leash. …
  4. Skip the walks and playtime. …
  5. No jumping on the furniture. …
  6. A room with a view. …
  7. Exercise for the mind. …
  8. Cuddles, cuddles and more cuddles.

Why is my dog panting and shaking after surgery?

Usually when a dog is shaking/shivering after surgery,

it is not due to pain or cold

. During surgery, each animal is given two types of pain control. The after-effects of these types of anesthesia include increased vocalization, shaking/shivering, and apparent disorientation.

Why is my dog breathing fast but not panting?

This happens when

your dog is overheating and quickly becomes dehydrated

. This can often cause your dog to be breathing fast but not panting. Injuries, traumas, sore muscles, and gastrointestinal disorders are all reasons. Your dog breathing fast could be due to pneumonia, a tumour on the lung, or laryngeal paralysis.

Why is my dog breathing heavily?


It’s normal for dogs to pant or breathe heavily after exercising (walking or running), playing, or if they are in a hot environment where they need to cool down

. In most cases, it is no cause for alarm. If your dog is breathing heavy at rest, it can be a red flag for a number of serious health issues.

What are the symptoms of too much anesthesia?

  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Respiratory distress.
  • Hypothermia.
  • Hallucinations.
  • Seizures.
  • Mental or physical impairment.
  • Dementia.
  • Prolonged unconsciousness.

Can anesthesia change a dog personality?

An animal may exhibit behavioral changes for a few days and act as if it does not recognize familiar surroundings, people, or other animals.

Behavioral changes after general anesthesia are extremely common and usually resolve within a few days.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.