Constipation after Spaying

Question
Hello,
I had my miniature poodle spayed four days ago and she has not yet had a poop. She is drinking well and eating a little, but is straining to go. I am wondering if it is the discomfort of the surgury or if I should be trying something else. I have heard that a bit of pumpkin puree helps.

Answer
Hello Dee,
This is sometimes common in dogs to be constipated after surgery, because they aren't allowed to eat or drink prior to the surgery and then don't usually don't or won't eat when they come home.  So her stomach hasn't had food in it for at least 2 days.  You can feed her some dry food with a little bit of canned mixed in (to encourage her to eat), and see how she does with that.  It may not be that she is constipated, but just nothing in the tubes yet.  You can try the pumpkin if she doesn't have a bowel movement by this evening or tomorrow morning.  

I hope this helps you some.  If you have other questions about this or other Poodle questions in general for me, please feel free to ask.