My dog's stapled neck wound is red and swollen. When to see vet?

I wonder if the swelling was unrelated to the surgery and was actually a spider bite or something similar? If he is comfortable and it is not bleeding (just blood tinged fluid), then I think waiting to see your primary veterinarian would be appropriate. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Poor Stella. I'm concerned that the wound is red and swollen, which can indicate infection. For now, keep an eye on it and take her into the vet on Tuesday to have it treated. If you see pus, then it is definitely infected and try to get her into the vet sooner. I would just keep it clean, do not put anything on it at the moment. I hope this helps!

It looks like the wound is separating a bit, and perhaps one of the staples has pulled through the skin, but it is difficult to tell from a photo. There appears to be a little bit of redness/discharge which can sometimes indicate infection. I don't think this is an emergency but I would recommend having your vet examine the incision when they are next open. If your dog is licking at the area then placing an e-collar on him to stop this, or if you do not have one trying to put a long sleeved shirt on him so that he cannot lick at the area and further cause damage until your vet can see him. Best of luck to you!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. Yes, I would be worried because this is a sign of infection. You need to have Toast seen by a vet first thing in the morning. I hope this helps!

Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your question about IIsie. The top half of the incision looks like it's healing beautifully. You can see some redness and if the staples are tighter at the bottom of the incision, it could account for the swelling. I agree there are no signs of infection from the picture, so continue to monitor the incision for now. If the area gets redder, more swollen, and/or you see other signs of infection, then I would be concerned and have her seen by a vet. I hope this helps!

Thank you for the picture of Apollo's incision, it's very helpful. I agree the incision does look a bit swollen and red, and I'm concerned there is some bleeding. Please feel the skin area, and if it's warm as well, he needs to see an ER vet immediately. Otherwise, wait until the morning and take him in then. Should the area keep swelling during the night, it keeps bleeding, and/or he becomes lethargic, then rush him into an ER vet right away. I hope this helps!

This does look swollen and very angry. There is a possibility that there is infection in the wound. You should take Chip to your vet for a recheck on Monday. I do not think this is an emergency unless your dog runs a fever ( above 103 F) or there is a discharge from the wound.