What to Do if Your Dog’s Spay Incision Isn’t Healing?

It's important to monitor your dog's post-spay incision closely to ensure a proper and healthy healing process. If you notice that your dog's incision hasn't healed after 8 days, it's crucial to seek professional advice from your veterinarian. Healing times can vary, but if you have any concerns, don't hesitate to reach out for a proper evaluation.

Understanding the Healing Process

In the first week after your female dog is spayed, you can expect the incision to be a clean, straight wound with the skin slightly swollen and a reddish-pink color around the edges. This is a sign that the body is initiating the healing process. Dissolvable stitches, often used for post-spay incisions, may remain visible for a few days as they continue to dissolve under the skin. However, if you notice any abnormalities, consult your veterinarian promptly.

What You Should Look Out For

Redness and Swelling: Excessive redness or swelling around the incision area can indicate an infection. Keep a keen eye on these signs and report them to your vet. Discharge: Any discharge, whether clear, bloody, or pus-like, is a cause for concern. Your vet may need to take a look to determine the nature and cause of the discharge. Licking: Dogs often struggle with their urge to lick or scratch at the incision site. Preventing this behavior is crucial to prevent contamination and promote healing. Use an Elizabethan collar (cone collar) or deterrent sprays recommended by your vet.

Prevent Licking

To prevent your dog from irritating or infecting their incision, you can take several measures:

Elizabethan Collar: This collar, also known as a cone collar, is designed to prevent your dog from reaching its chin and face. Ensure it is the right size and comfortable for your dog to wear. Deterrent Sprays: These sprays are designed to discourage your dog from touching the incision site. Your vet can recommend suitable options. Regular Monitoring: Check the incision several times a day to ensure there is no sign of licking or irritation. Be vigilant, and if you notice any signs of distress, contact your vet immediately. Traffic-Control: Keep the incision area restricted and limit your dog's access to it. Use crating or a well-fenced off area to prevent direct contact.

Consult Your Vet if Worried

While it's common for some healing to be a bit slower, if you find that your dog's incision isn't healing after 8 days, it's imperative to seek professional advice. Your vet can provide a thorough evaluation and determine if there are any complications or infections that need to be addressed.

Immediate Steps to Take

Call Your Vet: Schedule an appointment to get your dog's wound checked. Early detection and intervention can prevent further issues. Prevent Licking: Ensure that your dog is wearing a collar or using deterrent sprays to prevent them from licking the incision. Keep Incision Area Clean and Dry: Gently clean the area with physiological saline or a solution recommended by your vet. Make sure the area is dry to promote healing. Follow Your Vet's Instructions: Your vet might recommend antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or additional steps to aid the healing process.

For further guidance, you can explore more detailed information on my Quora Profile, where you'll find comprehensive resources on post-spay care and puppy training. Keeping your dog's health a top priority will ensure a smooth recovery and a happy, healthy pet.