How to Care for the Surgical Wound of a Spayed Dog

Watch for signs of infection such as oozing, redness or swelling.

If it is an option for you, pick up your dog on the same day she is spayed. Resting at home will help facilitate her healing. If she spends the night in the clinic, she will most likely be alone in a steel cage while the staff goes home. It's much better for you to keep an eye on her at home. Usually, a spay scar will need no care from you, but there are some things you should watch out for.

Things You'll Need

• Your eyes
• Q-tips
• Peroxide

Instructions

1. Watch your dog carefully to be sure she is not licking or biting at the incision. Most likely, the vet will have used a surgical glue. In the case of sutures, however, your dog may lick them and try to bite through them. If your dog was given an Elizabethan collar (e-collar),do not remove it unless you are sure you can keep an eye on her. It's all right to take the collar off when you are in the room with her so you can stop her if she starts to worry the incision, but it should be left in place when you are not there.

2. Check the wound periodically for signs of infection such as oozing, leaking, bleeding, redness, swelling or unusual heat in and around the suture. Do not wash your dog or take her to the groomer until the veterinarian tells you it's all right to do so. Many vets use dissolvable sutures and getting them wet may cause them to dissolve prematurely.

3. Bring your dog to her bed or crate and allow her to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. She should be indoors, away from dirt, rain or temperature extremes. Do not let small children or other household pets annoy her. She may be groggy from the effects of the anesthesia for a while; or she may be on pain medication. When she is in this unusual state, she may act differently, lashing out or acting cranky. Give the medicine time to completely leave her system before allowing her to resume normal activities.

4. Call your veterinarian if your dog continues to act groggy long after the medicine has left her body, or if she refuses to eat. If you see signs of infection in the wound, or if there are any other causes for alarm.

Tips & Warnings

• Spay incisions will normally heal on their own quickly and your dog will most likely show no adverse effects.

• If your dog is a outside dog make sure you pay extra attention to the wound because of particles such as dirt and grass could get in to the wound and cause infection.

References

• Big Dog Boutique: How To Care For a Dog after Spay

Resources

• Every Creature Counts: Spay/Neuter Post-Operative Care Information