Itchiness after getting spayed

[Debbie and Belle]

Belle was spayed on Tuesday and we picked her up Wednesday from the vet. She doesn't seem to be in pain but since yesterday has been very itchy. Luckily she hasn't really been able to scratch the area but she keeps trying constantly. Did anyone else have a problem with their puppy being extremely itchy after the surgery? At first we couldn't figure out her strange behavior of scurrying around but it seems it may be part of her itchiness and frustration of not being ablt to scratch the area.

[KLN]

Did they have to shave her by chance? That's the primary reason we had to leave Finns come on so long. The MINUTE we would take off the cone he would go straight for his arm here they shaved it for the IV. I bet the sane things going on with your little lady. They probably shaved her tummy. Apparently it is VERY itchy when they shave it that close to the skin.

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

Another thing that bothered Daphne was the stitches that look like fishing line. They left it too long after the knot was tied and Daphne jumped around and behaved strangely because the end was poking her belly. I took her back to the vet so they could cut it and they said "no" it was  "fine". I took her home and trimmed it myself and Daphne became calm and normal again.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Claritin or Benedryl might help.

We give Spud Claritin 10mg. He is 60lbs.

[Debbie and Belle]

They did shave her so that's a good point that is probably itchy. The stitches are inside and not visible so I'm not sure if that's what is bothering her. But she is jumping around and acting strange. I feel so bad for her. Is the Claritan one for people or dogs? Belle is a mini so only just under 17 lbs so it would probably need to be a small dose. I could call the vet and ask.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

You could call the vet and ask. My guess is that they will tell you no.

Here are my thoughts.... and it is just me.  When I have anesthesia, I always itch, all over, for several weeks.  I've mentioned this and they say, "HUH"  It's been a long while since I've had any though.

Also, it is winter. I didnt look to see what area you are from but if this is winter related, many of us use EPO < Evening Primrose Oil> all winter to keep the skin less dry.  Mainly because, dogs dont use hand cream  :)   So, this is how we keep that skin soft.

Is she itching all over or just that area?  

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Can you reach there and rub it for her?  

Just a gentle rub / scratch and a soothing voice sometimes helps too.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

This was Enzo reason for scratching as well. And as the new hair begins to come in, it becomes itchy again.

[Debbie and Belle]

Where do you buy the evening primrose oil? How much would I give her?

[KLN]

Joanne, completely unrelated but I'm the same way after anesthesia! So don't let anyone make you feel like that's not normal, ha! Usually the minute I start to wake up it's like I have ants all over me. Now that I know it's going to happen, I always ask that they give me benedryl as I'm leaving surgery and it (so far) has done the trick, no more itchiness! Just thought I'd pass that along. :0)

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Thank you, KLN   :)  I feel better now

[Debbie and Belle]

The vet said she can have 1/2 a 25 mg tablet of Benadryl. I'm just very hesitant to give her medicine. Have others used this?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

So many of us use the medicine that is why I suggested it.

Now, if you itched, and your dog did not give you anything.......

Give the dog the Benadryl and put her out of her misery  :)

This is what medication is for. Why are you hesitant?