Content

• Steps

After treating the wound or having surgery in a veterinary clinic, the dog will usually have stitches on the body. During this time, you will need careful care so that the dog can recover quickly. You need to know what the dog can and should not do, and know how to recognize abnormal signs in order to promptly contact a veterinarian. In general, the dog's postoperative wound or suture should heal completely after 10 to 14 days, you'll need to keep an eye on the dog for that length of time or until your doctor confirms it's fully recovered.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Take care of the stitches

1. 

   Prevent your dog from biting or licking the stitches. After the pain reliever or anesthetic wears off, the dog may start to bite or lick the suture. This not only damages its skin, but can also cause infection. You can shout to stop this behavior in the first place or use a muzzle.
   • If necessary, keep your dog on a lick-proof ring until the suture has healed. You need to keep your dog wearing a lick-proof ring constantly, if you take it off and put it on regularly, your dog will likely start to protest. You will likely need to leave the collar on your dog's neck for up to two weeks.
   • You can also have your dog wear a neck brace so that it doesn't turn around. The device is useful when the lick-ring is uncomfortable for the dog.

2. 

   
   
   Try not to let your dog scratch the stitches. The wound will become itchy once it begins to heal, making the dog want to scratch it all the time. To prevent this behavior, you can have your dog wear a lick-proof ring or cover the stitches with a bandage or gauze. Watch your dog regularly to make sure it doesn't scratch the stitches.
   • You can also put your dog on his shoes or cover his paws so he won't hurt his stitches.
   • When the dog scratches, the dog can tear the stitches and open the wound. Dirt and bacteria from your dog's toenails can lead to infection.
   • Scratching and rubbing can also cause swelling. If the wound is too swollen, it can cause the stitches to pop.

3. 

   
   
   Keep the wound and stitches clean. You need to keep your dog from getting dirty or dirty stitches by not letting him go out on his own or letting him play in muddy or wooded areas. If it becomes dirty, its wound can become infected or have many other complications.
   • Do not apply ointments, creams, antiseptics or anything to the dog's wound without prior permission from your veterinarian. You also shouldn't use liquids, such as hydrogen peroxide or alcohol on your dog, as these can interfere with wound healing.
   • You should change your dog's bandage as directed by your doctor.
   • Remember to keep the dog's nest clean. Put a clean blanket or towel for your dog every night and change it even if it's just a little dirty.

4. 

   
   
   Keep the wound and stitches dry. You should not bathe your dog while the wound is still healing. If the wound gets wet, the moisture can stimulate bacteria to multiply and cause infection. In addition, moisture softens the skin, making the skin's function of protecting the wound from infection significantly reduced.
   • To keep stitches and sutures dry when your dog is out, wrap a plastic bag or bandage around the wound and remove them as soon as the dog enters the house.

5. 

   Evaluate the wound. If the wound is not covered, observe the stitches several times a day for changes or signs of infection. This is very important in the healing of the dog's wound. A healing wound should look clean and heal. The skin around the wound may be slightly purple and the wound will be slightly redder than the surrounding.
   • The wound may bulge slightly and leak some blood or bloody fluid. However, if you notice unusual swelling, a heavy discharge, that is persistent, or a greenish-yellow color, you should contact your veterinarian.
   • Watch for signs of swelling, irritation, an unpleasant odor, discharge, irritation, or new damage.

6. 

   Cover the wound. If you can't stop the dog from licking or touching the stitches, you can cover it. If the stitches are in the upper body, dress your dog with a cotton T-shirt to ensure ventilation. The shirt should fit, not too wide or too tight, and you can tie the bottom so the shirt doesn't slip up.
   • This is useful when you have a lot of dogs indoors and cannot be isolated.
   • You can also cover the stitches with a bandage, especially if your dog has a leg injury.
   • If your dog is scratching the wound with his hind leg, you can give him a sock that holds his foot tightly so that his paw won't tear the stitches.
   advertisement

Method 2 of 2: Control your dog's behavior

1. 

   Schedule surgery when you have time at home. Except for emergencies, try to schedule surgery when you can stay at home to care for your dog. You will need to watch for any unusual symptoms, give your dog a moderate rest, and comfort it.
   • During this time, you should not invite guests to play at home. Keep the indoor space quiet so your dog can rest.

2. 

   Avoid strenuous dog exercise. When your dog has to sew, limit its physical activity. Excessive exercise can cause swelling in the surgical site, so limit your dog from running up and down stairs, jumping up for joy or participating in other activities. Dogs can stretch and inflame the surgical site, leading to swelling, pain and discomfort.
   • Leash the dog for 7 to 14 days after the injury or surgery. This helps the dog avoid too much exercise and limits the damage to the wound.
   • This can be quite difficult at home. If you are unable to keep your dog calm, you may need a crib to limit its activity level.
   • Use barriers to prevent dogs from going up stairs. Whenever you have to leave your dog alone, put up the railing to prevent the dog from running around or jumping on furniture.

3. 

   Keep your distance from other dogs. Other dogs, including domestic ones, can also be dangerous to a dog if its stitches are not healed. They will likely lick your dog's wound, so keep your dog in isolation until it heals.
   • You may need to keep your dog in a crate to keep it away from other animals.

4. 

   Contact your veterinarian for problems that are causing you concerns. The dog's health now requires special attention. If you notice that your dog is bleeding too much, has unusual swelling or drainage, has started to have a fever, is tired, is vomiting, or has other unusual signs of health, contact your veterinarian. .
   • If you are in doubt, call or send a picture of your dog to the doctor, who will help you determine if the dog's wound is going well.
   advertisement