How long with no food?

[Sandy]

Okay - since Toby's surgery on Thursday, he's only eaten if I hand feed him.  I tried putting a little bit of liverwurst hidden in with the food, but he only picks it out and leaves his food.  I feel like he's not eating enough, but I suppose he'll eat when he's hungry????  He's regaining a bit of his energy, even without eating much.  Perhaps tomorrow when the cone and bandaid come off he'll get more back to his old self.  However, the stitches don't come out until a week from Monday, so I somehow have to keep him from running around the yard and from picking at the stitches.  Tube sock and hockey tape, anyone?  Who knows what he'll do when I can't watch him during the night.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's not unusual for them to have little appetite after surgery, especially if they're on pain meds. If you're really concerned, give him a scrambled egg, he'll probably eat that. He will eat when he gets hungry enough.

I use a soft inflatable donut-type collar instead of a cone, and leave it on at night when I can't watch them. I bought it for a foster after spay surgery, thinking it wouldn't be a bad thing to have. Some time during the life of just about every dog, you're going to need to keep them from biting something, lol.

Good luck with Toby's recovery, I hope he heals fast!

[Sandy]

Toby's stitches are in his front left paw, so I don't think that would help.  He needs the bigger barrier.  I see him looking at his paw through the cone even with it on.

 

The vet thought he should lose some weight anyway....... :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Try an anti-itch spray before covering the wound with a sock, it's the itching as it heals that usually drives them to bite at it. Let the spray dry for a minute before putting the sock over it. Ointments or creams aren't really practical as they rub off on the fabric.

[Leslie, Dexter & Kirby]

Dexter had CCL surgery earlier this year.  He always has a HUGE appetite and even he wasn't 100% into eating right after the surgery.  Toby may just need a little time to adjust.  I don't think it will hurt him to not eat for a few days. 

 

Honestly as just as they hate it, I'd leave the cone on until the stitches have healed.  From what I heard you really don't want to risk any infection.  Poor Dexter was in it for 2 weeks straight.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

It's probably too soon-I'm sure in a couple days he will get back on track. Hope he gets better soon!