My dog's cut reopened after stitches fell out. Can he go swimming?

Depending on how large the wound is, it may heal faster if sutured closed. If not deep, keep her from scratching and keep it clean. I would not recommend she go swimming if the wound is still open as they may lead to infection. But if relatively healed she should be fine. If need to clean use only gently soap and water. Daily applications of peroxide will actually inhibit healing.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Using dissolvable or non-dissolvable sutures would not cause an incision to open. Other factors like movement and infection would. It sounds like Kane had a surgical complication that can happen with any surgery. I’m sorry he’s going through this but continue the treatment the doctor recommended and it should heal with time. Kisses to Kane!

Usually these wounds are best managed with a "wet to dry" bandage method. This is a process where a sterile, moist dressing (usually using sterile saline) is applied directly against the wound, and then dry bandage material is placed over it, and the dressing is then secured in place often with a tie over bandage. This type of bandage should be changed daily. Once a good bed of what we call "granulation tissue" has developed (as in the second picture), and the skin edges are close enough to close, then the skin edges can be brought together and closed. Depending on the individual and on the size of the wound, this can take anywhere from a couple of days, to a week or more. I hope that is helpful for you, if you have any specific questions about Jack's case, feel free to request a consultation. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Yes, it could be from the harness. I would gently clean Junior's wound with warm water and antiseptic soap. To keep him from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on him. You can get one at a pet store or make one at home. Keep the wound clean and dry, and monitor it for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and he will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it. I hope this helps!

As long as your pup is just going outside on-leash long enough to use the bathroom, the stitches shouldn't get wet enough to be a problem. A little water won't hurt, we just don't want dogs to be fully submerged in a bathtub or swimming pool until the incision is completely healed. But a bit of snow or rain shouldn't cause any problems. You can use a towel to gently dry his belly when you get back inside, just to be sure.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Given that she has evidence of wound dehiscence, she should be re-evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment. This wound is likely going to need to be addressed locally with wound cleaning, debridement and most likely by replacing those stitches that came out. At the same time, she is likely to need antibiotics as well. In the meantime, I recommend that you limit her activity as much as possible and use an e-collar to prevent further self-trauma. At the same time, they may be able to check her for the bloody stool which could be secondary to medications if she is on something like a pain killer or antibiotic after her surgery. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

If the stitches have been in for less than a week, then yes a vet may want to restitch him. I wouldn't put a liquid bandage on it, I would have Brad evaluated by a vet to determine if it needs to be sutured again. You can take him into an ER vet or find a vet on call to see him now.