Is it safe for spay stitches to stay in longer? When can my dog walk?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, a short, leashed walk to go potty and stretch her legs is great. Within the week she will probably be feeling great and ready to walk and play normally, however, keep it on the easy side until the vet gives the ok. Do NOT allow: running, jumping, chasing anything, wrestling with playmates, swimming, etc. until you vet gives the Ok or until 14 days after the spay. Best wishes to you and Dakota!

I recommend to wait to have her groomed until there are no scabs or rough skin. It’s OK if you can feel the sutures underneath. You do want to make sure the skin is 100% healed and normal. I think you guys are very close to that point so maybe wait another week or so. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Sophie's spay site looks good but the tissue will not be fully healed until 14 days so still no off leash play time. Also, check with your veterinarian. Most vets want to recheck the spay site at 14 days. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Limit or restrict activity to avoid stress on the incision. Avoid excessive running, jumping or rough play. Use an e-collar (cone) to prevent licking or chewing of the sutures. Examine the site daily for redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding or discharge. Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite, fever or abdominal pain. Look at her gums daily to ensure they are pink. Sutures are kept in for 10-14 days. Do not bathe her until the sutures are removed.

Astra needs to stay inside until the incision is fully healed which is typically 10 to 14 days. During that time she cannot do any running or jumping. She should also only be allowed short leash walks just to use the bathroom. You don’t want her to tear her her stitches. Also, she should wear an Elizabethan collar at all times to prevent any licking which could also tear the stitches or cause an infection. If she seems overly active, you may call the veterinarian and ask about a sedative. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

While I typically do recommend avoiding stairs, when it is not possible I have people use a leash on stairs to make sure the dog goes slow and does not cause too much stress on the incision. Double check with your vet to make sure that will be okay.

The black stitches you see are likely internal stitches, which is normal. Staples can stay in for a long time, since they are metal. However I would take Etta back to the vet for a recheck if the incision has not closed by Monday (at least scabbed over). Do not touch the incision, do not put ointment on it and do not let Etta lick the incision. Should you see pus, or green/yellow discharge, she will need antibiotics.