You’ve heard that neutering your dog benefits canines in some ways, and you’ve decided to do the same to your dog. The vet who carried out the procedure told you your dog might be down for a day or two, after which everything should be fine, but then your dog starts farting incessantly on getting home. Is this a normal reaction after neutering in dogs? Before we answer that, let’s talk a little about neutering.
Neutering is a procedure in which the reproductive organ of a dog is surgically removed, making them sterile. When this procedure is carried out on a female dog, it is known as spaying. If it’s on a male dog- it is called castration. There are some health benefits to neutering dogs. It reduces the chances of prostate enlargement and infection in dogs. Unwanted behavior such as roaming is also reduced due to decreased levels of sexual drive in dogs.
Neutering is a common practice carried out on dogs to control overpopulation. It is considered major surgery, and your dog might experience some weakness days after the surgery. But is farting part of these side-effects they experience, and if this is so, why is that?. Lastly, we will see things you can do to take care of your dog post-neutering. First, let’s answer the question, “Why do dogs gas or fart after neutering?”.
Do Dogs Get Gassy After Neutering
Yes, dogs do get gas after undergoing this surgical procedure. Many dog owners have reported that their dogs had a loss of appetite and were burping and gassy days after the surgery. So from these first-hand reports, we can see that dogs do get gassy after being neutered.
You can expect some behavioral changes in your dog after being neutered. If you have ever undergone a surgical procedure, you know how you feel weak and down days after the surgery and how often the doctor checks up on you, asking you questions like have you been to the toilet, and are you passing gas. Dogs are no exception; after surgery, some dogs become clingy and will want to be cuddled by their owners; others become reluctant to play or even get up from the sofa after the surgery.
A Dog’s gastric system is also affected by the surgery, and this often manifests itself when they pass out foul gas and excrete watery stool after the surgery. The unusual experience and sensation of the surgery can be unsettling for many dogs; combined with having to wear a cone around their head after the surgery, these things can make them all the more uncomfortable as they just try and figure things out.
Why Is My Dog So Gassy After Being Neutered
A dog is anesthetized during a neutering surgery to reduce painful sensations when the procedure is being carried out. The anesthesia causes a reduction in the movement of the gastrointestinal system(GIT) of a dog during and after the surgery.
When the dog starts eating after the surgery, and the GIT systems start working normally, the dog might pass out gas as the GIT regains mobility and comes to life. (We recommend this probiotic to help resolve your dog’s farting). Since dogs are unconscious under anesthesia and might not be able to breathe properly, a tube is inserted into their trachea to keep the dog’s airway open and to deliver oxygen and the anesthesia gas. It is good to note it is not this gas the dog passes out after the surgery.
Medications are used to induce anesthesia in a dog. These medications are processed in the gastrointestinal system, and this also affects the functions of the GIT. The metabolism of these pain-relief medications after the surgery by the dog can lead it to pass gas. A dog is made to fast the night before surgery. Once a dog starts eating after fasting for close to a day, this drastic change can trouble the digestive system as it starts working again and can result in the dog gassing.
How Do I Help My Dog’s Gas Post-Neutering
There are a few things you can do to help your dog if it’s farting uncontrollably after undergoing neutering surgery. Your dog would need to eat something to get its digestive system moving, but something not too heavy- a yogurt or probiotics should get things moving slowly for your dog and should relieve him of the gas.
You should not feed your dog until your dog regains full consciousness and the effects of the anesthesia wear off. Each dog is unique, and some might wake up a few hours after the surgery in the hospital, while it might take longer for others. When you start feeding your dog, you should give him small amounts of food, like half of his usual portion, so that he will not be constipated. Don’t be surprised if your dog does not want to eat at first, don’t force him to eat; you can give him some time or wait till the next day till you feed him if he’s reluctant to eat.
The dog should have access to clean drinking water, but keep an eye on your dog so that he doesn’t drink too much- nothing can be rushed at this stage so that you don’t upset your dog’s digestive system as it gradually resumes its functions. If your dog does not eat or drink for over 48 hours or two days after the surgery, you should contact your vet and explain your dog’s situation to him.
Should I be Concerned If My Dog Is Farting After Being Neutered
Dog farting after being neutered is normal. Anesthesia used during the surgery has considerable side effects on the dog after surgery. Gassing is a sign the GIT system of a dog gives as its normal functions return after surgery. You don’t need to be overly concerned if your dog is giving out gas at home after being neutered. It should resolve in a few days as your dog recovers from the surgery.
As other signs are resolving, such as weakness and lethargy in your dog after surgery, so should your dog’s farting. You can try some of the suggestions offered in this article and see if things possibly improve faster. If your dog does not stop farting or if it doesn’t reduce and it is showing other abnormal signs such as passing out a watery stool and not wanting to eat two days after the surgery; it is highly advised you call your vet to know what’s going on with your dog.
Do everything your vet tells you to do after the neutering surgery of your dog. This will hasten the recovery of your dog and reduce the risk of complications.
Conclusion
A dog farting after neutering surgery is normal. This is often a side-effect of the general anesthesia used on the dog during the surgery. Your dog might pass gas when he starts eating food, and the digestive system becomes motile again. Your dog should stop farting as he recovers from the surgery. If your dog does not stop farting a few days after surgery and he is showing other abnormal signs, call your vet for professional advice.
