One of the hardest parts of a surgical procedure is seeing your dog disoriented, groggy, and not quite themselves afterwards. As the anesthesia wears off, you might find yourself wondering what’s normal and how you can help your dog feel safe and comfortable during recovery. Our vets are here to explain what’s normal during anesthesia recovery, so you can support your pet while they’re healing.
How Long Does It Take a Dog to Recover from Anesthesia?
Most dogs will start waking up within a few hours, and we’ll be monitoring their vital signs until they’re fully conscious. However, some effects of the anesthesia may take 24 to 48 hours to wear off. During this time—especially during the first 12 to 24 hours—your dog may experience grogginess, disorientation, restlessness, or may even be a bit whiny. These are all normal reactions.
But if you notice your dog is having difficulty standing, is confused or unresponsive, or still has symptoms after 48 hours, call us right away and bring them back in so we can see what is happening.
Although anesthesia is generally safe for dogs of all ages, certain breeds may have a harder time than others. For example, Greyhounds can take longer to recover from anesthesia, especially if the formula contains barbiturates. Bulldogs, pugs, and Boston Terriers can also have a more difficult recovery because they tend to have problems with their airways.
How to Care for Your Dog After Surgery: Rest and Recovery
Step 1: Set Up a Safe Space
Provide your dog with a quiet, cozy place to rest away from activity, children, or other pets. Bring their bed or favorite blanket to the space so they feel safe and comfortable. You can sit with them and comfort them throughout the day, but make sure they do not get overstimulated.
You want them to get as much rest as possible while they recover. Also, when your dog is recovering after anesthesia, they have a harder time regulating their body temperature, so make sure they stay warm, but don’t overheat.
Step 2: Manage Pain and Medications
Proper pain management is the key to a smooth recovery. If we prescribe any post-surgery medications, it is important that you follow our instructions to the letter. And under no circumstances should you give your dog human medications or painkillers—the only medications that are safe for your dog are the ones that your veterinary surgeon prescribed.
Step 3: Prevent Your Dog from Licking or Scratching the Incision
Once the anesthesia wears off, your dog will likely become curious about the incision. So you need to do your best to prevent them from licking or scratching the area. Using a cone or E-collar can help with this, though it is not an entirely foolproof method. You will have to keep the incision site clean and dry, and follow all of our wound care instructions to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.
Step 4: Keep Watch for Any Complications
For at least 48 hours after surgery, you will need to monitor your dog for signs of complications. If they seem “off,” trust your instincts and call us right away. We will let you know if you need to come back to the clinic. Quick attention to small problems can prevent them from becoming serious issues.
Call your vet if any of these “red flags” last longer than 48 hours:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Lethargy
Expert Veterinary Care for Dogs in Harker Heights
Knowing how to care for your dog after a surgery is important for your dog’s well-being. It’s important to make sure they can rest, get their pain meds on schedule, and don’t lick or scratch the incision. We will provide you with all the information you need to care for your dog after a surgery. As long as you follow our post-surgery instructions, your furry friend should feel better in no time.
If your dog needs a routine surgery like a spay/neuter operation, contact us to schedule an appointment. And don’t worry—at Aztec Pet Hospital, your pet is in very safe hands.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (05/02/2025) Photo by Luiza Sayfullina on Unsplash