After your dog undergoes surgery, it’s crucial to manage their recovery, particularly their stitches, to ensure proper healing. Dr. Paige Adams emphasizes the importance of keeping your dog calm to prevent any damage to the sutures. Regular monitoring for signs of infection or abnormal healing, providing tender loving care, and following medication instructions are key steps to aid in recovery. It’s also essential to seek veterinary advice when in doubt.
In terms of what not to do, stitches should not get wet or dirty, and dogs must be prevented from licking them. The use of an Elizabethan collar is recommended to stop the dog from reaching the stitches. Additionally, dogs should not be left unsupervised with other canines to avoid any rough play that could harm the stitches.
If a dog licks their stitches, it’s typically a reaction to the itchiness caused by histamine cells involved in healing. An Elizabethan collar or bodysuit can prevent this, but if the dog still manages to lick or bite the stitches, you should consult your vet, especially if there are signs of infection.
The healing process can take 10-14 days, depending on the wound’s size and severity. There are two types of stitches: dissolvable, which are preferred for internal surgeries and anxious dogs, and non-dissolvable, which are used for closing the skin or in situations where the suture must remain in place for longer periods.
Healthy stitches should look clean with skin edges touching, and a small amount of redness or bruising is normal initially. However, signs like colored discharge, missing stitches, or a foul smell indicate possible infection and warrant immediate veterinary attention. With proper care, most dogs recover well from surgery without complications.
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