My neutered dog pulled scabs off. Can I use saline or Neosporin?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! At least based on these pictures, this looks almost healed. It just has a small area that appears to be close to healing but not quite. While neosporin is ok, I think the main thing to make it completely heal is making sure that he is unable to get to it and chew or lick at it. Please make sure to use an e-collar to try to prevent this. If you are able to keep him from getting to his incision, I think you should be able to get it to heal. You can continue to use the neosporin as that may speed up the healing process. However, make sure to not pick at any scabs as that will usually delay healing. Good luck and have a good night!

It looks like it could be an area of minor infection or irritation. Place the e-collar (cone) back on him for a few more days. Keep the area clean and dry. This may enough to allow for healing. If not, gently clean the area with diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens). Dry it thoroughly afterwards. A dab of a triple antibiotic ointment can be applied. Aloe can be used as long as the e-collar is in place. If he were to lick it and ingest the aloe vera gel, it could cause stomach upset.

Nothing looks red but the neosporin (?) makes it look gooey. If this is all neosporin, then I would say it looks normal. If it is gooey without the neosporin, then I suspect it is infected and he needs to see his veterinarian. When in doubt, have him seen again by his vet as they can palpate the area to check for any fullness, heat or other signs of an issue. I recommend to stop applying the neosporin at this point unless your vet recommended it. Let this incision stay dry and this will help a scab to form which will finish the healing process faster. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Indy. The amount of swelling still appears within the realm of normal post-operative. Neosporin can be irritating to the skin of dogs. So if it looks worse, I would stop applying it. You must ensure that he is not licking the surgical site as this will make it worse. Limit his movements as much as possible as well. Increased activity will lead to additional swelling. I hope this information helps!

I actually would not recommend putting anything topical on it if he can potentially lick it off. Neosporin is not particularly toxic if a small amount is ingested but it won't have a chance to work if your dog is licking. I'd recommend putting an e-collar on him to keep him from licking. If there is a raw spot or other skin lesion it would be a good idea to have your vet take a look - he might need oral medications for it to resolve. I doubt he would need anesthesia unless there is a skin growth that is there.

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.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking (if any). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem if the redness does not improve in the next 4 days.