How to Remove a Dog's Stitches

Despite the warnings of health professionals, some people feel it necessary to remove their dog's stitches. While it is safest to have stitches removed by a vet or some other medical professional, there is a way to do it at home.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Tweezers
• Small scissors
• Hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol
• Magnifying glass

1. Clean the area with hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol. Sterilize your tools (tweezers and scissors)with alcohol and let them dry.
2. Cut a stitch at a time. Unlike stitching for clothing, sutures are individual stitches or knots that hold the cut together.Cut the stitch as close to the knot as you can. If you see excessive bleeding after you cut a stitch, put the scissors down. The stitches aren't ready for removal.
3. Grasp the longer side of the stitch with your tweezers. This is the side without a knot. Remove it gently and repeat for each side. Clean the area with hydrogen peroxide before continuing to the next stitch.
4. Repeat with each stitch and monitor the reaction. Look for excessive bleeding on every stitch.
5. After you have removed all of the stitches, clean the entire wound with hydrogen peroxide.
6. Place adhesive strips over the wound.
7. Note complications. If the wound is infected, it may be red, swollen and touching it may cause pain. Contact the vet immediately if you see these signs. If the wound is reopening, the vet can restitch, or he may advise you to let the wound close naturally.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for keloids. These are large firm masses of scar-like tissue. They will extend beyond the first wound and may be darker than the regular skin. Anti-inflammatory drugs may be needed to reduce the swelling of keloids.