Dog Dropping Poop After Oral Surgery: Can Antibiotics or Pain Meds Cause It?
by Rebecca
(Illinois)
Thank you.
Antibiotics and some pain medicines can upset the gut, and after anesthesia a dog may also be groggy and sleep more deeply than usual. That can occasionally lead to stool dropping when she gets up. Firm nuggets left behind while she still goes normally in the yard can also be a sign of weakness of the anal sphincter, which is worth checking if it continues.
Please call your vet before stopping any prescribed medicine. Stopping antibiotics early can let an infection come back, and your vet may be able to switch to a different drug if one is causing problems. Tell them exactly when the accidents started and what she was taking.
If the accidents carry on after she’s finished her medicines, ask for a recheck that includes a rectal exam and a neurologic exam of her back legs and tail. Go sooner if you notice weakness or wobbliness in her back end, urine dribbling, diarrhea or blood. Meanwhile, take her out often and use washable bedding. See our guide to bowel incontinence in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Incontinence.
