du claws

Question
healthy peek a poo, 16 mo. old, just had back du claws removed.  Should she ware a cone, if so for how long.  Is she in pain, if so how long and should she have pain pills.  It is difficult to tell when a dog is in pain.  She is eating but not walking.  Just had it done yesterday.

Answer
It might be safer to use the cone, but you could see if she bothers it.  One good way to asses how a dog feels is it tail.  If it is carrying it lower than usual, something is bothering the dog.  It is best to get pain medicine from the vet.  You could give her aspirin.  It may be easier to give the right dose using children's aspirin, 5 mg per pound of body weight every 12 hours.  A regular adult 325 mg tablet would be much too big.  Make sure it is aspirin, buffered is best and not any of the newer pain killers.