Aftercare for a Dog Who Has Had Stitches: Essential Steps

When your dog has undergone surgery or treatment resulting in stitches, proper aftercare is crucial to ensure the wound heals smoothly and without complications. Whether your vet has used stitches, staples, or another method to close a wound, your role as a responsible dog owner is vital in supporting recovery. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn key practical steps to care for your dog's stitches, spot signs of potential problems, and help them heal safely.

1. Follow Your Veterinarian's Specific Instructions

Your veterinary surgeon will provide important guidance tailored to your dog's surgery and wound type. This includes when to bring your dog back for follow-up visits or stitch removal. Always follow your vet’s advice carefully and never hesitate to contact them if you have concerns. Professional oversight is essential to ensure healing is on track.

2. Keep the Wound Clean and Dry

Prevent your dog’s stitches from getting wet, as moisture can introduce bacteria increasing the risk of infection. Avoid bathing or swimming until your vet confirms it is safe. Use clean, dry bandages if needed, and ensure they are changed regularly according to veterinary guidance.

3. Prevent Licking, Biting, or Scratching

Contrary to some beliefs, licking a wound does not promote healing and may lead to infection due to bacteria in the dog's mouth. To protect the stitches, consider using an Elizabethan collar (buster collar) or an alternative barrier. It is also common for wounds to itch as they heal, increasing the urge to scratch. Supervise your dog closely and use vet-approved bandaging or protective wraps if scratching is an issue.

4. Limit Your Dog’s Activity

Though your dog may behave normally shortly after surgery, their wound requires calm to heal properly. Avoid vigorous exercise, jumping, running, or playing with other dogs for at least 10 to 14 days unless your vet advises otherwise. Short, controlled walks on a lead are preferable to keep your pet calm and minimise stress on the stitches.

5. Understand Normal Healing Patterns

During healing, the wound edges should be closed and may appear slightly red or bruised — this is normal. You might notice a small amount of clear, pale pink, or yellow discharge in the first few days, but it should be minimal and odour-free. Mild scabbing forms as part of healing, but any excessive redness, swelling, or foul-smelling discharge is a warning sign.

6. Monitor the Wound Frequently

Check your dog’s wound at least twice daily for abnormalities. Key signs to watch for include:

• Bright or dark red colouration or spreading redness
• Swelling around the wound site
• Persistent bleeding or seepage
• Foul smell or pus-like discharge
• Stitches or staples pulling apart or missing
• Lumps or bulging tissue under the sutures
• Behavioural changes such as lethargy, high temperature, or loss of appetite

If you notice any of these, contact your vet immediately for advice. Quick intervention can prevent infection or wound complications.

7. Administer Medications and Attend Follow-ups

If your vet has prescribed pain relief, antibiotics, or other medications, administer them exactly as instructed. Completing the full course is important for preventing infection and managing discomfort. Return for follow-up appointments to allow your vet to assess healing progress and remove stitches if necessary.

Caring carefully for your dog’s stitches promotes faster healing, reduces infection risk, and helps your pet return to full health smoothly. Remember, each dog and wound is unique, so always prioritise your veterinary professional's advice in all aftercare steps.

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This guide aims to empower dog owners with clear, empathetic, and practical information to confidently manage post-surgical care at home. For any uncertainties, always seek prompt veterinary support.