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Dog spay incision discharge and pain: Is it infected or normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 9 months and 18 days old | 9 lbs

My dog was spayed 4 days ago and her vet is closed for the next week (on vacation). They failed to mention that before operating on my pup. Her incision looked fine this morning, but now I'm noticing some discharge. Does this appear to be infected? Is it safe to but antiobiotic ointment on the incision? She seems to be in pain still especially if you get anywhere near the incision. Any advice would be great...

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Penelope Graben, DVM

Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 23rd, 2018

Hi there!

No picture came through with your question. If you re-submit with an in-focus picture of her incision, I will be more than happy to take a look.

If the discharge is a translucent red color and in small amounts, it could be a normal part of the healing process.
If the discharge is thick, green/yellow, or milky, that may indicate an infection that would require a course of oral antibiotics to treat.

In the mean time, please do not put anything on the incision. Creams and ointments will trap bacteria underneath them and it is better to leave the area open to the air. If she is licking or bothering the incision, please restrain her from doing so by using a cone collar, inflatable tube collar, or shirt.

I hope this helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 23rd, 2018

    Hello. I think this incision looks pretty good for 4 days post op. I think you are seeing dried blood and possibly skin glue caked on the incision line. It does not appear infected right now. I would avoid putting any ointment or cream on the incision as this will attract her to lick it. If you see yellow fluid or wet accumulation of oozing fluid at the incision, post a photo again so we can help you evaluate it. If it does start to look worse, topical Neosporin applied 2-3 times a day is fine BUT you should keep an e-collar or “cone” on her to prevent her from licking the ointment. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on November 4th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like an infection at the incision site. This does warrant a visit to your veterinarian. They are likely going to clean it and start antibiotics. This usually responds well to therapy but does need to be treated. Good luck and have a good night!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 2nd, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The incision does look irritated but not infected. You can apply a warm compress to the incision 2-3 times per day until you can get her to the vet. If the discharge looks thicker or white/yellow/green, then its infected. Good luck and kisses to Millie!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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