My dog's stitches are weeping. How do I clean them after surgery?

If there is a lot of discharge around the incision, you could use a small amount of peroxide or just some warm water to clean the around the area. You don't want to irritate the incision more so don't rub or pick the discharge/scabs. Then apply the spray as directed. If there isn't a lot of discharge than you could just use the spray as directed.

This happens all the time so don't beat yourself up. Put the cone back on immediately. Then gently wipe the incision with a warm, damp cloth and pat dry. Apply neosporin (or other antibiotic ointment) tonight and tomorrow morning, then keep your appointment for tomorrow. The vet may decide to wait to take the stitches out now that there is some inflammation involved. They may also prescribe oral antibiotics if they are worried that Diesel might have infected his incision. Or it may be perfectly fine and they will remove the stitches and you and Diesel will be on your way! Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Diesel!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Molly. No, you do not want to bathe her while her stitches are still in as her skin is not completely healed yet. I usually recommend waiting about 24-48 hours after the stitches have been removed. If she has soiled her suture site, then spot clean the area with a damp cloth. I hope this information helps!

Hi there. I would try cleaning it with some mild soap and warm water. She may be having a reaction to the suture material. As long as their incision is still holding together, and Aisha is acting normally, just clean and keep a close eye on her. Without seeing a photo I can't offer much more than that, but feel free to send a photo if you'd like more detailed advice. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I am afraid the itch is the wound trying to heal. Anything that would stop the itching would likely also hinder healing. I actually think the woulnd is irritating him and a natural reaction to that is to lick the wound. Of course we need to keep him from licking the wound and contaminating it with nasty mouth bacteria as well as opening the wound. So, Priat will need to be brave and plow through having a e-collar or wearing the doggy jacket. It will keep him from licking and so facilitates healing. The pain and itching should be gone in a few days (DO NOT take off the jacket until your vet says so). He will get used to it and be a good boy.

A small amount of straw-colored or blood-tinged fluid is common after surgery and usually isn't a concern. Just try to keep the incisions free of discharge by gently cleaning with a warm wash cloth. If the incisions look very red, puffy, and have thick discharge that has a foul odor, then an infection could be developing. If this is the case, I would recommend taking her to a veterinarian to have the incisions evaluated. I hope this helps and that Seide feels better soon!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think that area should have had stitches, so I’m assuming Buddy licked them out. It only takes a few seconds for a dog to remove them. He should be wearing an E-collar or a donut at all times. He shouldn’t lick that open area either. Clean it well with soap and water and apply a triple antibiotic ointment. It likely will heal on its own as long as he doesn’t continue to lick. I wish Buddy a speedy recovery!