Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
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
Become 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 dog pulled neuter stitches. Incision open. Emergency vet needed?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog was neutered 12 days ago and was able to get to his stitches today. Our vet who administered the neuter is closed today and tomorrow. He completely removed the top suture and appears to have opened the bottom of the incision. He has an appointment scheduled to remove the stitches on Tuesday. Our question: should we take him to an emergency vet tomorrow or another vet who is open on Monday’s. There was no bleeding.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 14th, 2022

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!

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

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.

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

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 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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's neuter stitches opened. Do I need to see the vet today?

Yes, Bear needs to be examined today. If the incision opens up, that will cause delayed healing and possibly infection. Bear should also be wearing an Elizabethan collar at all times to prevent him from looking at the incision. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

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

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's neuter stitches look split after surgery. Should I see a vet?

The wound margins still look normal and the wound seems still ok at this stage. I would recommend to have the collar back on and keep it on. At this stage a vet check up is not strictly needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share