My dog was just neutered and sent home with no meds, can I give him a small dose of aspirin AND benedryl?

Question

I already called the vet and asked if they were supposed to give me something for him but they said no. Two other vets said that they can see him after the weekend and then give him something but he is suffering now and will hardly move from the couch. His appetite is fine as long as I bring it to him. I cant even get him to go outside for a bathroom break. He wants to lick that spot alot and he's a bit restless. He is a large 72lb lab and about 2 years old. It was Tuesday night and today is Saturday already.

Answer 1

After four days, he should be back to normal. You should ask your vet to see you in case the site has become infected and needs antibiotics. DO NOT LET HIM LICK AT IT! That is what causes infection, and he could easily reopen the incision site. Take a good luck at this site, and see if there is any redness, discharge or swelling. If so get to the vet. I would not recommend giving asprin, as it promotes bleeding, not something you want in a surgical case. Benadryl is an antihistamine, so would be of little use for this. Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen are all very toxic to dogs, do not give them.

Answer 2

Did you ask them how much aspirin to give him? If not, then call back and do so. They can tell you if it is contraindicated or not... we don't know his vWD status or if he tended to bleed or not so adising you to medicate your dog over the internet is silly as well as could be dangerous.

ICE is nice :) If you can get him to allow you to put a small, well covered ice pack on the area, it will reduce swelling and pain -- ice is a natural anesthetic and it will help without being a potential problem -- just make sure it isn't too cold for him and that he will let you do it. He will naturally lick the wound -- it isn't a problem unless he is doing it too much or bothering the stitches -- I would (and have) confine him to a small area with bedding on the ground so he doesn't have to get on and off the couch -- the on is usually okay but the off tends to be uncomfortable so if you can have a big pillow from the couch on the floor for him or a glob of bedding, he might be a bit more comfortable. You can and must let him relieve himself as to not do that is going to cause more discomfort -- just go out with him and supervise him... Why didn't you ask the vet about it before Saturday? Take him in Monday and make sure there is no infection going on or if you notice that there is a lot of swelling, redness and purulent drainage you may need to get him in sooner and started on treatment.

Answer 3

I imagine your dog got a 24 hour pain shot at the vet's, he really shouldn't be in pain now. The surgery for neutering is very tiny and most dogs don't even feel anything when they wake up.

Don't give aspirin or human medication - not good, can cause your dog serious internal bleeding. Benadryl does make a dog sleepy, but it is for allergies, not pain.

Just make sure the area is not red and is healing - and make sure the dog doesn't pull at the stiches or glue site.

He should be fine, really.

Answer 4

I would take him back to a vet, aspirin or benedryl even just one can be easily overdosed. You should NEVER give an animal anything that hasn't been prescribed by a vet as every animal has a different reaction. It could do more harm then good or he could be allergic. If you are extremely worried find an emergency vet and take him there as it may be his stitches are too tight. As for the licking a cone may be your only choice as licking it may cause an infection.

Answer 5

My dogs were back t o normal ONE day after surgery. In fact, the day after teh neuter, my dog woke me up by jumping on my bed and dropping a goopy wet tennis ball on my head.

There is something more wrong here. This is not normal and you should not self-medicate your dog, you need to take him to the emergency vet now. Male dogs recover within a day or two post surgery as long as they are not allowed to overextend themselves. Within 4 days, my dog was bouncing off the walls to get to do something and all we would do were short walks. No running, no playing, no roughhousing for 7-14 days post surgery - and like I said - the morning after he dropped a ball on my head to play. So there is something wrong here - and you need to get your dog to the vet immediately.

Note: a lot of vets send the dogs home - even spays - with no pain meds. And after 4 days, no vet should be dispensing pain meds - there's something more going on and you need to find out what that is.

Answer 6

Do not give any meds on your own. Instead of asking the vet if they were "suppose" to give you something to bring home..tell your vet that you will be coming in to pick up some pain meds.

Often times neuters are sent home without pain meds, but most vets will give pain meds if you ask them.

Answer 7

You should take him back to the vet. Even if he is just mad or depressed over what "you put him through," it has been too long. He shouldn't have needed any pain med. after being neutered.
The only human med. I was told by my vet was okay, was an occassional St. Joseph's baby aspirin, but that shouldn't be given after any kind of surgical procedure.

Answer 8

He needs a vet trip. Don't give him anything. It will "mask" the symptoms and the vet won't be able to see what's wrong.

He should have been back to normal by Wenesday morning at the absolute latest. After 4 days he should be checked for complications.

He could be playing you. Dogs are excellent fakers. He may just want breakfast in bed. LOL!

Answer 9

Under NO circumstances should you give him aspirin. Benedryl can be given in small doses if your critter has allergies, but what the heck would it do for your pup right now. Get the dog back to the vet, but don't be surprised if he's just playing you for attention!

Answer 10

Aspirin and Benedryl is very toxic to dogs.