My dog has a rash after neuter, can't afford vet. What should I do?

I would recommend putting the e-collar back on and making an appointment to see your vet. I’d guess that if Rico can’t scratch his eye the redness should resolve, but it would be best to have your vet take a look and make sure no medications are necessary.

He should have been healed after about 2 weeks. If he never had an e-collar (cone) on, he was likely licking the area when you weren't around or during the night. This could have caused the delay in healing. Ideally, he should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as you can. An e-collar should be obtained and placed as soon as possible to prevent further licking. A small tee shirt or onesie may prevent licking until you get a proper e-collar. Antibiotics may be indicated to treat infection. A veterinarian can dispense them, if indicated, after an exam.

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.

It sounds like Milo could be very itchy, which is causing him to gnaw on his back. In order to keep him from going at himself, the cause of the itchiness needs to be diagnosed. It could be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If he isn't up to date on his flea treatment, I can give you one for him. First, I would give him Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash his bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. If he is up to date on his flea treatment, I recommend taking him into the vet for an exam today or tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment. Keep the cone on him until you can get him in to see the vet. You can also try an oatmeal bath to see if that temporarily relieves his discomfort. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Poor Ben! You should keep the ecollar on as a deterrent to lo licking, keep the area as clean and dry as possible and you can try warm compressing the area. Do not give human medication as it can be very toxic. You should continue with your plan to see his veterinarian tomorrow.

So sorry about the problems after your dog's spay. If your dog is licking near or around the incision or at the clipper irritation, then you need to obtain an elizabethan collar or a Donut from your veterinarian or PetCo to help avoid further licking. I would keep in place until you have a chance to reach out to your veterinarian tomorrow, then you might want to drop by and have your dogs incision and skin double checked for any complications and advise as to treatment, if any, Normally animals receive some kind of pain management in the form of oral medication post op for spay operations, so double check that you are giving the medication prescribed or ask for medication when you see your veterinarian. This will help to cut down on licking or chewing. Lastly, there is no harm in applying a small amount of soothing ointment to the skin rash such as Neosporin or hydrocortisone cream a couple of times a day to help reduce the soreness and induce healing of the clipper rash until you can see your veterinarian. Despite you not being able to reach your veterinarian, please follow up with them as soon as you can Monday morning as most clinics want to be sure their animals receiving surgical get support and treatment whenever there is a complication. So e-collar to prevent licking and chewing, soothing ointment, and recheck at your vet clinic as soon as possible. Best of luck, Thanks for the question. Steve Popish, DVM

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.