If your pup has an upcoming surgery, as a pet parent, you’ll need to educate yourself on how to care for their post-op stitches properly. Things like how to clean dog stitches and how long your pup’s stitches take to heal are genuine concerns for all dog owners. The good news is that once you’ve done a little homework on how to care for your dog’s stitches, it should be smooth sailing. Read on for all the dos and don’ts for nursing your pup back to health and caring for their post-op stitches.
Dog Stitches Healing Time:
Most pet parents are probably wondering just how long their pup will be out of commission. Most average dogs take two weeks for their incisions to heal. Within the first few days after surgery, you will probably notice the edges of the incision becoming red and swollen, don’t worry, it’s normal. After the initial few days, any redness and bruising will start to diminish, and scabs may form around the sutures. After the first week of your dog’s stitches healing time, most of the stitches or staples can be removed. At this point, your pup is probably in the clear and most of your worries are over. During the next week, your dog’s wound will become less visible, and they can slowly get back to their daily activities. Keep in mind your pup needs your help to get to this point.
How to Clean Dog Stitches:
Keeping your pup’s stitches clean and free from infection after surgery is crucial. When it comes to cleaning dog stitches, it’s more important what you don’t do. Never use any creams or ointments without a vet’s permission and never use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. Be sure to change the dressing according to your vet’s instructions and clean your dog’s bed once per day in the days after surgery.
Keep the Stitches Safe:
Be sure your pup doesn’t chew, lick, or scratch their stitches. If they do, it can damage the skin and lead to infection. This may mean your fluffy friend has to wear the dreaded cone for a few days. In addition, you will need to restrict your dog’s activity level. Keep walks outside short and discourage jumping onto and off of furniture. Be sure to supervise them around any other dogs to ensure there’s no rough playing. Temporary confinement in their crate may be necessary when no one is home. Even if your dog appears to be back to their normal self, limit their activity for the full length of time recommended by your veterinarian.
Always Keep the Wound Dry:
Do not bathe your dog during the recovery period. Always keep the bandages and stitches dry if you take your dog outside. You may even want to wrap the wound with cling wrap or gauze while they’re out and remove it once you get back home.
When do I Need to Call the Vet?
If you notice any of the following symptoms at the surgical site, contact your dog’s veterinarian.
– dripping of blood or fluids from the incision
– any swellings
– excessive redness of the skin
– unpleasant smells or discharge.
Before you know it, your dog will be back to their usual selves playing, running, and giving you kisses. Until then, try to keep them as comfortable as possible and use this time to give your pup extra love and attention, as if that’s even possible!
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