My puppy stinks! When can I safely bathe him after microchipping?

Louie should be fine to go to the groomer after microchipping as the chip will be embedded under the skin. However, the needle used to place the microchip can cause some soreness along the back and shoulders, so it may be best to let your groomer know that that area may be sore and tender so they take a little more care when handling him. Since Louie is very young, you will also need to make sure he has had enough vaccinations to be able to go to a groomer. Some groomers will not take dogs that are not yet fully vaccinated as there is a risk of illness coming in contact with other dogs in the facility.

Good question., you did the right thing. Percy will be fine as long as you dried him off and he didn't get chilled. If he's eating normally and moving around he will be fine. I like to clean them up to get rid of the dirt and odor so they are more comfortable and the skin doesn't develop problems from being so dirty and smelly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Percy.

Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I do see one little scabby area at the lower part of the incision, but otherwise it appears closed and healing well. Just to be on the safe side I would recommend waiting a full another 4-5 days before bathing to allow the scab to fall off. Continue to monitor this area for any discharge or separation of the skin. Also that swelling on the left side should be evaluated by your vet if it doesn’t resolve, just to make sure it isn’t another hernia. Mild suture reactions just below the skin can also cause swelling, which is usually firm and doesn’t depress when pushing down on it. I hope this helps and best wishes with your pet Aspen. Take care.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Generally, you would want to wait until after 10-14 days after surgery to allow the incision to heal well before bathing him. There are other anti-microbial options that could be considered in the meantime. If this very severe and cannot wait, you can check in with your veterinarian for alternatives. Otherwise, I would wait a bit longer. Good luck!

I suppose its possible, depending on the time frame you are referring to when you say "a while back." If it had completely healed and its been over 1-2 weeks since the chip was placed I highly doubt its related to the chip. If she is acting normally and otherwise doing ok, make an appointment at your convenience to go in and and have your vet take a look. You can try to manage it at home first as long as she isn't ill-- shave the hair over the area, clean the skin with soap and water, and just keep it clean and dry. You can try using this product on it as well: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-animal-wound-and-skin-care. However, if its not clearing up within a few days, get her in to see your vet. Thank you for asking PetCoach!

Hi there! It is hard to say what exactly is causing the excessive scratching without examining him first, but it may be the microchip or perhaps the area around his eye may itch. Whenever tissue heals, it itches, and this could cause him to scratch and be unsettled. The needle they use to insert the microchip is quite large and will leave a hole in the skin that will scab over in a few days which can itch. Another cause may be a flea allergy or another allergy. If he continues to itch or appears to still be unsettled today and tomorrow, I would recommend another exam on Cupid to check for other causes of the itching. I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Bathing isn't really a concern after your dog has been vaccinated unless they also applied a flea/tick product. In that case, you should wait a minimum of two days. Just be mindful as Luke may be a little sore over his vaccination sites.