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Can I carry my small dog after spay surgery without damaging stitches?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 1 month and 28 days old | 5 lbs

I just adopted an 8 week old mixed breed (breeds unknown) from a SouthLA shelter. Today I pick her up from being spayed and was wondering if it would be okay to carry her being that she is very small and cannot walk on a leash. While reading some articles I stumbled upon one that mentioned that dogs shouldn't be carried following the operation because it stretches their abdomen which could result in scarring or ripping the stitches. I just wanted conformation. (This is my first ever pet dog)

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on June 10th, 2019

Congratulations on adding Charley to your family. It is fine to carry Charley as long as you support her entire body so that you do not put any strain on her abdomen. Ask the staff to show you the proper way to hold her so that you do not inflict any injury. It is very important to hold her properly until the incision is healed in two weeks. Also make sure to get an Elizabethan collar, pain medications and written instructions. Best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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