Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My puppy's neuter incision is open and red after jumping. What now?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Poodle | Male | neutered | 7 months and 26 days old | 14.5 lbs

Hello! My 7.5 month old puppy got neutered on Saturday afternoon. He was doing great up until earlier today. He’s wears a cone and I left him in my room for 3 hours while I was at work, when I got back he was jumping and after I got him to relax I noticed his wound was a bit open and red. I’m not sure if he messed with it while I was gone (the cone is pretty small) or if it split open when he was jumping. I’ve attached before and after pics for reference. What should I do? ☹️

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 30th, 2019

The incision does look like it's opened up a bit, and if Arlo wasn't confined to a small space when you were gone, it could be he was too active. Rest him tonight, keep him confined to a crate to limit his movement, and have him seen by a vet in the morning. Best of luck.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 20th, 2019

    It’s always best to have a vet examine an incision in person. If there seems to be a gap in the incision it might need to be revised or the redness could be a sign of infection. You also may need to check the fit of the cone - if he can get around it or if the edge scrapes against the incision he may need a new one.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Training & Behavior
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.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My dog's neuter incision is bleeding after jumping. What to do?
It looks like just a little bit of blood. Do not clean it, just apply gently pressure to stop any bleeding. If this bleeding becomes excessive, take Lucky into an ER vet right away. Do not allow him to jump.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Why are my dog's neuter stitches red and look open after 2 weeks?
Both incisions do look red, and the incision from his undescended testicle looks as though it may be partially open. Unfortunately even though it had been two weeks it looks to me like the incisions may not have been fully healed and he was able to open them by licking. An infection would also be possible. I would recommend seeing a veterinarian. They might recommend re-suturing the incisions or potentially starting antibiotics and putting the e-collar back on.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My dog's neuter incision is swollen, open, or has discharge. What now?
I am sorry to hear about Ollie! I would recommend following up with your veterinarian, as if the wound has some discharge they may need to prescribe antibiotics or may want to examine the area again. If the incision is coming open, depending on how the large the incision is they may try to close it with tissue glue, or may leave it open depending on the appearance.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My dog's neuter incision bleeding after cone off. Should I worry?
It sounds like Scrappy has disturbed the healing process of his incision, and I would take him into a vet today or tomorrow to make sure he didn't remove any sutures. This incision needs to be checked out. I hope this helps.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Dog neuter incision bleeding and swollen on day 4. When to see a vet?
Thank you for the picture of Apollo's incision, it's very helpful. I agree the incision does look a bit swollen and red, and I'm concerned there is some bleeding. Please feel the skin area, and if it's warm as well, he needs to see an ER vet immediately. Otherwise, wait until the morning and take him in then. Should the area keep swelling during the night, it keeps bleeding, and/or he becomes lethargic, then rush him into an ER vet right away. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Recently neutered dog's incision bled after running. Is it okay?
Check the incision whether a stitch came out or whether it opened. If not, then all is well . You need to keep your dog from licking the incision. Licking prevents the incision from healing. If the incision keeps bleeding or if the incision looks open, you need to go back to your vet to have it closed again.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Dog SuppliesDog ToysDog FoodDog Health & WellnessDog Bandages & Wound CareDog First Aid & RecoveryDog Recovery Cones & Surgical SuitsDog Pain Relief & Arthritis MedsDog Medicine and PrescriptionsDog Incontinence & Bladder Control MedicineDog Pain Medicine & ReliefPet PharmacyDog Braces & SplintsSmall Animal SuppliesPrescription Dog AntibioticsDog First Aid Kits & ToolsCat Recovery Cones & Surgical SuitsPrescription Dog Insulin & Diabetes MedicationDog Anxiety MedicationAt-Home Dog Vaccines
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button