Expert: Nicole - 4/2/2009

Question
I just adopted a dog and he was neutered on Monday, March 30. I picked him up the next day. Today is Wednesday April 1 and his bowel movements are very irregular. He didn't urinate on tuesday all day until 10:30p. Today he only urinated in the morning around 11a and finally pooped in the afternoon. I'm just worried because i think he's holding it in for a long time. Is this normal?

Also, his eating habits I think might be irregular as well. I don't know if its because of his surgery,  but he has only eaten once a day between 7:30p and 9pm, for the past two days since we've been together. What should I do? Or is this normal?

Answer
Hi Patty,

Well...in truth, you don't know him well enough to know if ANYthing with him is irregular.  Bowel movements, urination OR eating.  :)  

He's had a big couple of days.  The neuter 'problems' would have worn off by now unless he had some type of reaction the the anesthesia.  Most male dogs bounce right back...he'll be sore but not so sore as you'll know it.  

If he's only eating once a day, depending on what food you're feeding and how much he's getting, he may only have to poop once.  What goes in, comes out...if it's not going in, it's not coming out.  

What you need to do is take him to your vet.  Explain what's going on with him and see what they think.  Once you get him medically cleared, repost and let me know.  We can then work on him from a behavioral stand point rather than a physical.  :)