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My dog's neuter incision is open after licking. Is it an emergency?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd | Male | neutered | 45 lbs

My dog licked his neuter incision. It appears to be open but not bothering him. Would this require immediate attention?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

Veterinarian

Published on August 7th, 2021

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The incision is open indeed and it will require stapling or re-suturing. A visit at your local vets or emergency service is required as this wound should not be left like this till Monday.
If you clean the wound with antiseptic skin solution (ideally containing 4% chlorhexidine, for example Hibiclens) and make sure Chase does not lick the incision, you can wait and see your local vets tomorrow. Alternatively, you should try and get Chase seen at your local 24/7 vets this evening.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 24th, 2018
I am a little worried about the bleeding. The dark area is likely an internal stitch. So far it just looks like the skin is irritated and opened just a little, If it stays this way and does not open up any further, and stopped bleeding, You can wait until tomorrow to take your dog back to the vet for a recheck. If the incision is opening up further, does not stop bleeding or tissue happens to protrude, then an immediate visit to a veterinarian or emergency room is in order.
Put on the e-collar and NEVER take it off. Your dog is quite capable of eating wearing the collar, especially when you put the food on a little pedestal.
11Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 7th, 2018
There is a possibility that there is irritation from one of the inside sutures or a knot irritating. It was a good idea to put the e-collar back on and I would leave it on Henry until the suture has healed again. If it starts looking angry, starts swelling or oozing pus, you should take Henry back to your vet for a recheck.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on November 5th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It does not look concerning at least based on this picture. However, it is very difficult to see that just based on one image without an examination. If there is no opening of the incision and there is no foul odor or discharge coming from it, he will likely be fine. Good luck and have a good night!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Davis
Veterinarian
Published on May 2nd, 2018
This will heal fine as long as he’s not licking the area and you minimize his activity. You can dab it with hydrogen peroxide to clean it. Don’t rub and remove more scab as that will cause additional bleeding. Then apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on it. Use a cone if needed to prevent licking. It will heal from the inside out in another few days to a week. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Toby.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Dog neuter incision red, open, and licked. Is it an emergency?

It looks like the skin stitches broke, so it will be good to have him seen by your vet. This is not an emergency though, so he's fine to wait the night. It's best to leave the area alone for the night and keep him from getting any dirt in the wound. If the wound does get dirty, then you can flush it with normal water. Your vet will be able to advise you further in the morning. I hope that helps and all is well with Cain.

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My dog's neuter incision looks open after 7 days, what to do?

Hello. I have never heard of leaving a dog neuter incision open like this. We do it in cats & horses, but not dogs. If this is your veterinarians practice, then he should have sent home a Elizabethan cone to prevent Cutty from getting to & licking the incision. Personally, I do not like the way it looks & really think it needs to be cleaned up & sutured closed. Until you can see your vet, please purchase a protective collar to keep him from licking & clean the area 2-3 times daily with a povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine skin cleanser. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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My dog chewed his neuter stitches off. Do I need an emergency vet?

Given that it is so early after the surgery it would be best for your pet to be seen. Sutures or staples may need to be replaced and possibly oral antibiotics started. Chewing on the incision allows mouth bacteria to enter the wound. This can be dangerous if not addressed. If you call your vets office they should have a way for pets to be seen when they are closed, either a doctor on call or a number for a close er. You could also google a veterinary emergency clinic in your area. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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My dog pulled neuter stitches. Incision open. Emergency vet needed?

Thank you for the picture of his incision, it's very helpful. After 12 days, the incision should be fully healed, and in the picture, it doesn't look red, swollen, or infected. There is an area in the middle that looks a little open, and that may be from him pulling at the stitches, but it doesn't look fully open. I would put a cone back on him to keep him from pulling at the stitches more, and take him to a regular vet if you can on Monday to get the rest of them removed. There isn't a need for an emergency vet at this point in time. If you cannot get him into another vet on Monday, you can wait until Tuesday to see his normal vet as long his incision doesn't become infected or open up more. Again, keep a cone on him to keep him for getting at the stitches. I hope this helps!

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Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This warrants a veterinary evaluation for further assessment and treatment. This is most likely going to require stitches though that would be determined with an examination. Good luck and have a good night!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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My cat licked neuter incision after cone removal. Is it an emergency?

Oh Chandler, what a naughty kitty. They are so good at removing their cone! It looks like there is a little prolapsed tissue there likely from where he opened the incision. As long as he keeps his cone on overnight it will likely be okay to see you vet tomorrow. They can then make sure he doesn't need a suture and/or antibiotics. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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My dog's neuter wound is open, watery, with maggots. What to do?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This warrants a veterinary examination as soon as possible. While this cannot be sutured back in place for now as it is infected and inflamed, the ultimate goal would be to treat this wound aggressively and it can improve. This is not something that can be treated at home. This will require surgical debridement, cleaning and antibiotics. This is also painful and pain control medications need to be considered as well. Best of luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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