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My dog's dissolvable stitches are poking out. Will they dissolve?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 9 years and 4 months old | 4 lbs

You cant tell by the 1st picture but her stitches were sticking out. You could see the knot where it was tied & the 2 sharp ends. They were poking & irritating her so i was going to take her to get them trimmed. Yesterday somehow she took it off herself. Theres only a small piece left over. They are dissolvable so will it dissolve on its on? I dont know if the hardness in it is more stitches or scar tissue. Surgery was April 18 & it was benign. Other than this shes doing very well

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 23rd, 2018

Hello, sorry to hear about Precious. If dissolvable the sutures should go away on their own. Depending on the suture material used, this could take anywhere from 1 month to 3 months. Monitor the area for any bleeding, discharge, pain, swelling, or redness and if you note any then have her veterinarian evaluate the area.

Ideally, Precious should not be licking at the area and you should not be cleaning it or touching the area as this can delay healing.

Hope this helps and best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 23rd, 2018
Stitches meant to dissolve do so within about 180 days, so the wound will always heal before they dissolve. Dissolution of the suturing material works via inflammation, so that can start to itch. I would take Precious back to the vet to see whether he can snip pf the offending piece of suture so she will not be tempted to lick it anymore.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Published on May 22nd, 2018
The problem with Precious biting at the stitch is that she can certainly get the area infected. The second pictures look like the area is oozing a little and irritated. I would recommend taking her in for the area to be evaluated and to see if there is additional suture that needs to be removed. I would not bathe her yet if the area is not completely sealed over.
Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your questions. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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