After neutering your dog, you need to take care of the incision wound to avoid infection. The incision should remain dry and clean for at least 10 days after the procedure. However, sometimes dogs try to lick the wound as a natural instinct.
If your dog licks his neuter incision, it could lead to infection. So, first, you need to check whether the wound has been reopened. If it has, you need to take them to the vet immediately. The veterinarian will evaluate the wound, prescribe antibiotics to your dog and replace any displaced tissue. He may also fix the incision with a surgical staple.
To prevent your dog from licking its neuter incision, you should put a cone around its neck. It will stop them from reaching the incision site and licking the stitches.
In this article, we are going to discuss what to do if your dog licks his neuter incision.
What Is Neutering in Dogs?
Neutering is a surgical process in which the vet will remove your dog’s testicles. In a world where overpopulation is a huge problem, neutering your dog can help prevent unwanted litter. It also makes your dog healthier and happier. Neutered dogs are less likely to be aggressive and are less likely to search for mates.
Besides making your pet calmer, neutering also decreases your dog’s risk of certain cancers and diseases. Neutering will reduce your dog’s testosterone level, which helps curb his or her unwanted behaviors, such as roaming. It will also reduce the number of fights he will get with other males.
Is It Safe For My Dog To Lick Its Neuter Incision?
It’s not safe for your dog to lick the neuter incision site after surgery. For one thing, the incision may be itchy, and your dog may feel the urge to scratch it. Fortunately, there are several ways to minimize your dog’s urge to lick the incision site.
While it’s natural for dogs to lick their body parts and wounds, excessive licking can cause a wound to reopen. This can lead to further infections. It can also tear the sutures. Closing a reopened surgical incision is a much more difficult task than closing it while the dog is under anesthesia.
Another reason why it’s not a good idea to allow your dog to lick the surgical site is that excessive licking can cause more harm than good. While dog saliva may have antimicrobial properties, excessive licking can damage the healing process and lead to infections.
What to Do If Your Dog Licks His Neuter Incision?
The first thing to do is take your dog to the vet right away. This can result in an infection, so make sure to have your vet prescribe your pet antibiotics. If your dog licks his neuter incision, you should immediately call your veterinarian. This is because licking can indicate a bacterial infection and must be treated immediately.
It is very important for you to keep an eye on your dog’s neuter incision. Be sure to check it three times a day and prevent him from licking it. Licking the neuter incision can cause the wound to reopen. If the wound becomes too large, you may need to get stitches to stop the infection.
Make sure your dog stays away from other pets during the recovery process. The surgery can leave your pet groggy and unable to defend itself, so keep them on a leash. Afterward, check the incision for any signs of infection and call your vet as soon as possible. You can look for redness or swelling in the incision area. An infection can develop after a neuter operation.
How to Take Care of Your Dog After a Neutering Surgery
After undergoing neutering surgery, your dog will need to recover from the anesthesia.
Here are some tips to take care of your dog after neutering surgery.
- Keep The Cones On
After neutering surgery, the vet will put a cone on your dog’s neck to stop them from licking the cone. You need to keep the cone on your dog for up to 10 days so that the wound can heal properly. Make sure you remove the cone only when giving food and water to your dog.
Keep the cone on even when your dog is sleeping. It is best to invest in a comfortable infallible cone.
- Hygiene Is Important
You should keep your dog as clean as possible after a neutering session. During the two to three days following the surgery, your dog may be lethargic and will not move. During this time, you should keep your dog clean to avoid any risk of infection.
It is also important to clean the incision site after neutering to prevent infection. Make sure to follow the instructions provided by the veterinarian and clean the incision area thoroughly with warm water.
- Comfort Is Key
Another thing to do after a neutering session is to make your dog comfortable. This is critical, as the surgical procedure can be a taxing experience for both you and your dog. Thankfully, most dogs will not express any discomfort or pain, but it’s essential to provide the proper post-op care for your pooch so that he can heal as quickly as possible.
Let your dog stay in a warm, comfortable, and silent room to rest and recover from the surgery.
How Long Does a Dog’s Neuter Incision Take to Heal?
Most dogs are discharged the day after the neutering procedure. A small incision will be made in the front of the scrotum. The site will be pink and slightly red. The sutures will also be visible depending on the veterinarian and surgical method.
The incision should fully heal within ten days of surgery. Some veterinarians use absorbable sutures, while others prefer intradermal closure. The vet will remove any staples if necessary. Swelling should be significantly reduced.
You should check the area every day to make sure there are no infection symptoms. If the incision does not heal properly, contact the vet.
Why Does My Dog Keep Licking Its Neutering Incision Wound?
After neutering surgery, your dog will likely try to lick the wound. However, you need to make sure they don’t do this. Licking the wound can lead to the risk of infection. Here are some common reasons why your dog keeps licking its wound.
- The incision site is itchy
- It’s your dog’s way of coping with the pain
- Your dog is feeling bored or restless
- He is trying to lick and heal the wound
- It is a natural instinct for dogs to lick their wound
How Can I Prevent My Dog From Licking Its Stitches?
If you’re looking for ways to prevent your dog from licking its stitches, there are several things you can try.
- Use a Cone or E-collar
If your dog has stitches, use a cone (affiliate link) or e-collard to prevent it from licking the stitches. It’s best to keep your dog under your direct supervision to prevent it from doing this.
- Bandages & Sleeves
Bandages and sleeves can be a great way to prevent your dog from licking its stitches. They are designed with a patented dual catch fastener that prevents them from peeling off or unraveling.
- Canine Clothes & Apparel
If your dog is prone to licking its stitches, you can cover the area with clothes and apparel. These are generally lightweight and easy to pull on and off.
- Use A Distraction
Letting your dog lick its stitches can be very harmful, especially if the wound was recently repaired through surgery. If your dog is prone to licking the stitches, try using a distraction to divert its attention.
Conclusion
So, what to do if your dog licks his neutering incision, the first thing you need to do is put a cone on its neck and look for any signs of infection in the wound. You need to make sure that the stitches aren’t reopened.
If the stitches are opened, you need to immediately take the dog to the vet to examine the wound.
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