My dog licks his surgical wound after surgery. Is any licking safe?

It is just red from him licking it. It looks fine. Just be sure to get the cone on him so that he cannot remove it. Typically lacing it through the collar and putting the collar on tight enough that you can only get two fingers between it and the neck will prevent them from removing it. I suggest you get this wound spray gel to put on it until healed. This should keep it from getting infected. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-antimicrobial-wound-and-skin-hydrogel-for-pets I would not be worry about him getting it wet, that will not dissolve the sutures.

Yes. Make Romeo wear the collar again. Some pets remember that there was something they wanted to lick and they will do so at the first opportunity. Although he cannot injure the incision anymore, he could cause an infection if he licks it too much. Over the next week you can gradually start to give him more freedom but you should not leave him unsupervised without the collar until things are back to normal. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Poor Panda! Unfortunately the safest and most effective thing in this case is going to be the E-collar. Ask your vet for tips on sizing and securing it to Panda. In some cases, a little anti-anxiety medication or sedation for a day or two can really help him keep that cone on. If it is truly a small graze, it is likely to heal in the next couple days as long as he keeps away from it. I also recommend keeping him inside if at all possible for the next couple days.

Yes, this product is quite safe even if she will ingest a small amount. Regarding the wound, in this case a picture of the problem is essential to be able to give you specific answers. Please repost your question on the forum (it is free of charge) and attach a pic to it.

Hi and thanks for your request. The wound seems fairly dry even though there is some discharge. The margins of it look healthy as well. I guess that the discharge is minimal but if not (from the pic I cannot assess it, then a check up would be required ). Her general status would be very important as well to decide whether she needs to be seen or not; if she is painful, lethargic, inappetent, if she has any vomiting, diarrhoea, then a check up would be ideal. Hope this could help. At the moment there is no need for a check up in my opinion. Licking should be discouraged with any possible means. plasters and soft inflatable collars (donut-like) may be useful.

Poor pup! That area is very inflamed and may be infected. Keep the dogs separated and make sure your dog wears his elizabethan collar at all times. Get him seen by his veterinarian within the next 24 hours as he may need antibiotics. Make sure to keep him from any activity as well such as running or jumping. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hello. This incision is still healing and you are seeing areas where the skin edges have not completely healed together. Even though it has been 2 weeks- this photo indicates that Tucker should still be wearing an E-collar or some other device that will prevent him from licking the area. It will heal but it will take longer and you are at risk of it getting infected or opening up more if he is continued to be allowed to lick the area. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach