Fearful After Anesthesia?

[P Hudson]

My Yorkie boy Turner is six and needed a dental cleaning, which required anesthesia. My husband took him there and picked him up afterwards.

I was eager to see him--I had the normal fears about my baby going under anesthesia and wanted to comfort him from what I assumed was at least a little unnerving to him--but when they got home he seemed to be afraid of me. He didn't want to come to me, and when I picked him up, he tried to get back to my husband.

He seems to be his usual self now, but his behavior when he first got home really took me aback. And I know it's silly but it kind of hurt my feelings.

So now I'm curious: has anyone else had an experience like that?

[Wylie's Mom]

To me, this sounds like he was just in pain...did he come home w/ pain meds and were they given? I'd chalk it up to that, not to anesthesia.

[Jkpal]

I've not experienced the surgery aspect in that way, but I totally get the hurt feelings. Due to her uncanny ability of totally negating her trip to the groomers, she went in for a 2nd bath one week after the first. She refused to look at me once at the groomers, sat quietly as Carolyn held her and still would not look at me, and, no kidding, Carolyn was actually comforting me as I left. It's all good now, but shooowheee, these little ones can really work it, yes?!

[Magnus]

Was this his first dental? Both Magnus and Zoey only had it once and two different reactions. Magnus (Teapot) was pretty much up and running after about 30 min or so. Zoey on the other hand wanted to be left alone and just sleep most of the day.

As for feelings.. LOL My mom's feelings get hurt sometimes b/c she's last on their human list. Personally, I think it's cute. Sort of reminds me how "human" like they are. I totally squeal when they give me the sideway glance. You know.. when you call them and they pretend not to hear you. But they totally give it away when they give you the quick side glance and/or ear twitch. LOL Sometimes they wag their stubby tail like crazy and want to come to you but pretend they're not interested. I can go on and on!!!

[Maximo]

Poor Turner! I agree with everyone above that it is not the anesthesia, but rather the experience as a whole.

My boys sometimes choose to go their grandpa rather than me for comfort, sometimes the other way around. Don't take it personally. He'll come around. Hope he is feeling better today.

[P Hudson]

I guess his reaction was just a first for me. Although both my dogs find Daddy, shall we say, more exciting, I was always they one they wanted if they were feeling bad, whether it was a physical ailment or some insecurity they were feeling.

I guess it was just strange to me how he wouldn't have anything to do with me, like a baby you reach out for and it turns around and clings to its mother harder--or, in this case, my husband.

Anyway it's passed and neither one of my dogs will leave me alone long enough to type this. They want to play.

Thank you all for responding to my post and have a wonderful day.