After a dog has surgery, oftentimes the hardest part of the recovery process is preventing the dog from biting his incision stitches. As a surgery site heals, skin around the sutures becomes dry and itchy, which can cause discomfort. Most dogs will seek relief through compulsive licking and biting on the stitches. As irritation worsens, it can cause fluid buildup and swelling around the incision. The extra pressure on the surgery site may cause stitches to pull away from the skin and break open. Careful monitoring of your dog's behavior is critical for healing.
Things You'll Need
- Cone-shaped post-surgery collar
- Over the counter anti-itch ointment
- T-shirt
- Warm compress
Instructions
Use the cone-shaped Elizabethan collar that your veterinarian has most likely provided or purchase one at a pet store. Place the collar around your dog's neck and fasten it closed. Your dog should continuously wear this device unless he needs it removed in order to eat and drink. Because an Elizabethan collar is awkward and blocks peripheral vision, many dogs will be more bothered by the collar than the actual stitches. However, as much as your dog may dislike wearing it, remember that these collars are the best method for preventing your dog from reaching the incision with his mouth and biting his stitches.
Apply a topical solution to relieve itching and dryness. Use a sterile cotton swab to apply an over-the-counter remedy directly on the incision, such as aloe vera, calendula cream, arnica gel or antibiotic ointment.
Fit your dog with a human t-shirt or body suit to cover the area. For stitches on the front half of the body, you can put a t-shirt on a dog the same way you would on a human: slip her head through the neck opening, put legs through the armholes and tie the bottom into a knot on top of her back. For rear-half incisions, the t-shirt would work in reverse, with the tail through the neck opening. If a t-shirt does not prevent your dog from biting the stitches, purchase a snug-fitting post-surgery body suit made from stretchy Lycra fabric.
Apply warm compresses on the site three times daily to reduce swelling, irritation and aid in fluid drainage.