A common complication following a dog̵7;s surgery̵2;or the stitching of a wound̵2;is the dog removing the stitches by licking the incision or laceration. Especially as the incision or wound starts to heal, many dogs will excessively lick the sutures. It̵7;s important you stop your dog because the licking could result in healing complications. There are a few ways you can get your dog to quit licking the incision or wound, though you may have to try all of them to stop your canine from licking the stitches.
Things You'll Need
- Elizabethan collar
- Bandages
- First aid tape
- Anti-chewing/licking product
Instructions
Wrap the wound/incision in bandages. You may need to use first aid tape to secure the bandages in place. This will stop some dogs from licking their stitches, but many will simply chew the bandages off.
Apply a topical product designed to stop dogs from licking/chewing to the bandages to stop the dog from chewing them off. These products, which have a bitter taste, are available from your veterinarian or at pet stores.
Put an Elizabethan collar on your dog if the previous steps didn̵7;t stop the dog from licking the stitches. Your pet will hate the collar, which is basically a cone that goes around the dog̵7;s head and restricts it from licking. However, it̵7;s better than having your dog lick the stitches loose.