How to keep a puppy from playing???

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Bella was spayed last monday. So we are on day 5 of recovery. We sailed through day one and two and most of three since we had Murphy stay at our daughters and she was pretty sleepy for about 24 hours. THEN she WOKE UP!  She had pain meds for 3 days, so she seemed very comfortable. Comfortable enough to run, play, jump, chase Murphy and wrestle once he got home, hop onto the bed, hop off of the bed.....

Other than her being in her Expen 24/7, how do you keep them from normal puppy activity?  AND mostly, has anyone ever had a dog injure themselves after surgery from resuming normal activity?  Her incision looks fine, no swelling, redness, seeping, tearing. She hardly notices it at all.

An suggestions? 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

We went through the same thing with Guinness and Murphy. I think you're over the worst of it now. We kept our two apart (unless we were right there to supervise) for I believe the first six days (although it may have been seven). It was a nightmare, because they literally "cried and whined" for each other. Murphy spent a lot of time in his crate during that first week. My Vet had told me that she does see cases where the incision opens because dogs are allowed to play too early, and that scared me. Good luck...maybe just another day or two and then they should be good as long as they aren't doing anything really rough.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Daisy was playing on the 2nd day - no rips, tears, problems. Everyone (including the Vet) said, "she will be fine" do what you can to keep her quiet but for the most part the worst is over. If it hurt or was bothering her she would not play.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I am of the mindset that if it hurt she wouldn't do it as she is such a little princess. She whined the whole first day and night. I feel the incision is tight and holding very well. Not the slightest sign of breakdown or tears. I can assess that myself easily, it's internal I was considering, however unless it's a muscle tear on the abdominal wall, I don't think there is much else she can hurt.

I am taking Murphy to my daughters now, as I just don't feel she should be doing as much as she is and that is the main culprit, them playing. thanks.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Can you go get her some valued Bully Sticks, a Leg Bone, A Deer Antler? Something that takes a long time to chew and works out the mouth but not the body. It may wear her down some.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

She does have several chew bones, but tires of these especially if Murphy is around they start wrestling over each others. We are going for another walk now and Murphy is gone so she will rest the remaining part of the day I'd think. I'll walk her again before he comes home.

I just noticed she has a little bump under the skin, about the size of a walnut, just to the right side of her incision. I am hoping it's normal and I only see it when she moves a certain way on her back. She is going to the vet on Monday, so she will check. Hate to think that letting her play caused any damage. But she doesn't seem to be bothered by it, even when I touch it so I'm thinking she's okay.

[April Cliber]

It's normal, don't worry! It's fluid and is pretty common. Whenever I have pups ESN'd I get one or two females with a little fluid pouch. It'll go away in a couple days. As long as it's not red or hot to the touch I don't worry. You are such a good doodle mom!!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Aww thanks April, I always feel better when you chime in with your words of wisdom. The area is darker, but in a bruised way which is what I'd expect knowing how they pull the skin back during surgery. She just has really been doing everything the post-op directions said NOT to do, so I started getting concerned when I noticed it. She is not hurting at all. She is SUCH a love!!!! Not as cuddly as she was at first and I'm still not getting the head tilt, but I think I'll keep her anyway. HAHA.

[April Cliber]

Try making a really and I mean REALLLY high pitched "eeeeeee" sound. My daughter can do this too well but it always works. :o)

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Oh I remember those high pitched little girl sounds !!! I will have to practice tomorrow. THey have both just settled down for the night.

[BG and Gavin]

I would give her several on-leash walks per day to tire her out and as Joanne suggests, give her something to chew on quietly.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Thanks Bruce, this helped today.

[Michael Gurley]

Sunny was the same way. However, she kept trying to get to her stitches to lick them, so we had to put a cone of shame on her (E-Collar). Then she was too embarrassed to really play all that much, and the collar was cumbersome enough that she couldn't move as well as she wanted to.