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Why is my spayed dog's incision bleeding and licking despite cone?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd | Female | 35 lbs

My dog was spayed Monday (7/23). Caught twice Licking incision, even with cone on. Is now bleeding slightly. Have cone, tube, sleeve on now. How can I make sure she is okay? I have Covid now so I can’t take her in? Top left: amount of blood top right :most recent pic bottom L: this morning bottom R: yesterday vet pic

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on July 23rd, 2021

Hi and thanks for your request. The wound seems fairly dry even though there is some discharge. The margins of it look healthy as well. I guess that the discharge is minimal but if not (from the pic I cannot assess it, then a check up would be required ).
Her general status would be very important as well to decide whether she needs to be seen or not; if she is painful, lethargic, inappetent, if she has any vomiting, diarrhoea, then a check up would be ideal.
Hope this could help. At the moment there is no need for a check up in my opinion. Licking should be discouraged with any possible means. plasters and soft inflatable collars (donut-like) may be useful.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 15th, 2020
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Ellie. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. She may have infection or a reaction to the suture used in her surgery. The veterinarian will examine her and determine if oral antibiotics or if another treatment is needed. In the meantime, place an E-collar on her to prevent any further self trauma. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 27th, 2019
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Maya. Yes, her incision site appears irritated and may be infected. Is she licking the area? The self trauma can make it worse. I would place an E-collar on her just in case. Some dogs will have reactions to the type of suture used under the skin as well. She should see her veterinarian again. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 14th, 2018
Emma indeed did a job on her incision! I hope she is wearing the e-collar again and I suggest you also put a t-shirt on her so she cannot mess with the incision using the cone. She apparently licked a lot of bacteria into the incision so there appears to be some infection. I recommend you take her to your vet for a recheck tomorrow morning.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My dog's spay incision is leaking on and off. Should I see a vet?

Hi and thanks for getting in touch with us! The incision seems relatively healthy, with a small amount of dry discharge. Antibiotics will prevent any infection. She should be checked only if the discharge is increasing and she seems uncomfortable and lethargic. She should be absolutely kept indoors and rested as much as possible. A cone/buster collar should be kept on at all times.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog licked her spay incision. When should I call the emergency vet?

This looks ok right now. I recommend trying an ecollar on her to prevent further licking and monitor overnight. If her incision becomes open, swollen or has a discharge she should be seen by a veterinarian

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's spay incision is bleeding 3 days after, should I worry?

The site itself looks good. No swelling, redness or bruising and it appears closed. The slight discharge does not appear to be frank blood. It looks like it may be fluid from a seroma. Seromas can occur after surgery. Continue to monitor the site, If the discharge increases or has a bad odor then see your veterinarian. Monitor Delilah for lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea. These are symptoms that should also be addressed by your vet. Keep an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent licking or chewing of the site. You can use a diluted betadine or Hibiclens solution around the site to keep the area clean.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

What to do if my hyper dog keeps licking her surgical incision?

Hello, and thanks for your question about Junie. Of course, a photo isn't the same as being able to examine Junie in person, but that incision still looks pretty good to me. There's a little mild redness where I presume she was licking, but no swelling, and I don't see any discharge. The most important thing now is to make sure you keep Junie from continuing to lick the incision, as that really could cause problems. She should wear a cone / E-collar for 10-14 days until that incision line is completely healed. If you don't already have one from your vet, they are available to purchase at most pet stores, such as PetCo. Secure it to her collar, and make sure it's a large enough size so she can't lick around the top of it! You can also ask your vet about a mild oral sedative medication to help keep her a bit quieter during this recovery period. I know it's not easy to keep a high energy dog quiet when they think they feel fine! But it's really important for her healing that she not over do it. Hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's spay incision is crusty, lactating. Is this normal healing?

Based on what I can see in these photos, the incisions appear to be healing. Occasionally there is dried blood from surgery, but sometimes it can bleed a little after surgery, especially if the dog is too active. I recommend monitoring for increasing bleeding, swelling, heat, or licking of the area and seek veterinary attention if you notice any changes. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy was spayed today. Is dried blood on the incision normal?

The image shows no drips or tracks of blood. This may be some normal post op discharge. If she will allow, you can use a plain, unscented baby wipe to gently clean around the incision. Keep an e-collar (cone) on her and restrict her activity to just leash walks for elimination. Avoid or prevent running, jumping, stairs or rough play as much as possible. If she has a crate, consider crating her for the night. Monitor for active bleeding, discharge, lethargy or pale gums. If any of these develop, she should be seen by your veterinarian or at the nearest veterinary ER.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's spay incision is red and bleeding, but she's not bothered. Is it okay?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Oaklee. The incision looks irritated. Has she been able to lick or scratch it? If so, make she to prevent her any access to the site. Keep the area clean and dry. It should look better everyday after the surgery. If it becomes more red, has more discharge, is warm or painful to her, then you will need to see her veterinarian. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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