If your pet is licking, you MUST get an e-collar (plastic cone) immediately. We are not responsible for veterinary expenses incurred if your animal licks open the incision. Do not put any topical ointment, including neosporin, or hydrogen peroxide on the incision, and do not cover the incision.

Should a spay incision be covered?

NEVER COVER THE INCISION WITH A BANDAID OR BANDAGE. This will irritate the skin and cause bacteria and moisture to be trapped against the incision, absorbing the sutures prematurely. It is critical to prevent your pet from running or jumping during the first 10 days after surgery.

How do I protect my spay incision without a cone?

Can I cover my dogs surgery incision?

Managing the wound — Follow your veterinary surgeon's advice on keeping the surgical site clean and dry. Never put ointment or antibacterial sprays on the sutures or cover the site with bandages or anything else. The area needs enough circulation and contact with oxygen in order to heal properly.

Can you cover a spay wound?

If it's wet or raining outside, cover the wound and/or bandage with plastic, and don't let your dog lay down where it's wet or muddy. Do not apply any ointments, antibiotic creams, disinfectants, or other substances to the incision unless specifically instructed to do so by your veterinarian.

Hack for Covering Neuter Incision

Can you put a bandaid over the spay incision?

Do not apply any ointments or creams to the incision as it will also cause the sutures to absorb prematurely. NEVER COVER THE INCISION WITH A BANDAID OR BANDAGE. This will irritate the skin and cause bacteria and moisture to be trapped against the incision, absorbing the sutures prematurely.

What can I use to cover a spay incision?

Abdomen wounds: Short-sleeved T-shirts knotted at the waist are a good way to protect sutures located on your pet's abdomen. Hindquarters wounds: Short-sleeved T-shirts put on backwards (tail through neck hole, legs through arm holes) and knotted to secure can help protect hindquarters sutures.

Can I put a shirt on my dog instead of a cone?

Surgical Recovery Suit

Cut the shirt in half, then cut out four holes for your dog's legs. Create ties on either side of the shirt so you can put it on your dog and then tie it closed. You can use any shirt that will cover the wound and prevent your dog from licking at it. You can make your own dog cone, too.

How can I protect my dogs stitches without a cone?

What can I use instead of a dog cone? Any dog cone alternative including inflatable collars, flexible and soft fabric e-collars, and clothing like onesies and bodysuits can be used instead of a traditional e-collar. Make sure whatever you decide to use protects the affected area from your dog's biting or licking.

How long should a spay incision be covered?

To prevent irritating the incision, we recommend you purchase an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) to keep your pet from being able to reach the area with their mouth. These cone collars are the most effective protection against your pet causing trauma to their incision, and should be worn for 10-14 days following surgery.

What can I put on my dog instead of a cone?

Can I put a onesie on my dog instead of a cone?

Onesies are an excellent e-cone (Elizabethan collar) alternative, because they are much easier to put on your dog, you don't have to worry that you might be choking your dog because you have to keep the device so tightly around their neck, and it provides significantly more comfort for the dog than a bulky cone.

How do I get my dog to stop licking his spay incision?

The best way to get your pet to stop is to get an Elizabethan (or “E”) collar, AKA “Lampshade”, or “Cone of Shame”. These stay on your pet during the healing cycle and prevent your pet from licking.

What happens if dog jumps after spay?

After surgery, your dog returns to daily activities and may want to jump. If your dog jumps after surgery, it is usually not a problem if you don't notice bleeding and changes in the incision. In addition, you should pay attention to your dog's behavior and whether it exhibits unusual activities and discomfort.

How long should I keep my dog from licking her spay incision?

If your pet is going to lick or begins to lick their incision, they need to wear an E-Collar (plastic cone) for 7-10 days after surgery. A pet can pull out stitches easily which can lead much more damage. 2. Limit activity—no running, jumping or playing for 7-10 days.

What happens if spay incision gets wet?

Do not bathe your pet during the recovery period, or apply topical ointment to the incision site—the surgical glue on the incision will dissolve too quickly if it becomes wet. Pets must be kept indoors where they can stay clean, dry, and warm, although dogs can be walked on a leash to go to the toilet.

Can I cover my dogs stitches with a sock?

Socks, T-shirts and bandages can be used to cover and protect wounds. These need to be used carefully as they can potentially rub and irritate wounds.

Is it okay to cover dogs stitches?

If you're wondering how to keep a dog from licking stitches, you simply have to cover the affected area with protective garments. This will allow you to avoid excessive wound licking, scratching, and biting. Lick sleeves are a better alternative to e-collars since they're easier to put on and more comfortable to wear.

How do I keep my dog from licking his incision without a cone?

Can I put shorts on my dog instead of a cone?

Combining sturdy bandages with boxer shorts, sweaters, onesies and even booties can be extremely effective in deterring your pet from licking or scratching. While this may not work for all dogs, it's a good trick to try out after an operation and can be far more liberating than the cone of shame!

What happens if my dog licks her incision?

Pet owners must keep their dog from licking, scratching, or nibbling on fresh wounds as it can reopen the stitches, irritate the injury, and scrape any scabs.

Can I use a baby onesie for my dog after surgery?

If your furry companion is on the smaller side, a “onesie” may be a good choice. Made of soft, stretchy fabric, this bodysuit covers cats and dogs beginning at the neck, along the body and over the hindquarters. There are holes for the legs and tail to pass through.

How do you know if spay incision is healed?

You'll know a spay incision has healed when redness is gone from the incision and no staples or sutures are needed to hold the wound together. There should be no tenderness on or near the incision area, and it should be free of all discharge.

Should I cover my dog after surgery?

Whenever your dog goes outside make sure that the bandages are covered with a plastic bag or cling wrap to protect them from damp or wet grass. Remove the plastic covering as soon as your pet comes back inside. Leaving the plastic over the bandage could cause sweat to collect under the bandage and lead to an infection.

---