How to Tell If Your Dog’s Incision Is Healed
After surgery, your dog's healing process involves several important phases. Recognizing the signs of proper healing — and knowing when to contact the veterinarian — is essential to ensure a smooth recovery.
Phases of Healing
- Inflammation Phase: Starts immediately post-surgery. The incision may appear slightly red or pink with some minor bleeding or clear discharge for the first 24 hours.
- Repair (Proliferation) Phase: Usually begins 4–6 days post-op. The site begins to knit together, scabs may form lightly, and the surrounding tissue starts to normalize.
- Maturation Phase: Occurs several weeks later, when scar tissue forms. At this point, the incision should look fully closed, with hair potentially starting to regrow.
Signs Your Dog's Incision Is Healing Properly
- Incision edges are neatly aligned and touching.
- The site appears clean and dry with no excessive swelling.
- Minor redness or bruising is visible but doesn’t worsen.
- No odor or abnormal discharge (a small amount of clear fluid or blood is normal only within the first 24 hours).
Healing Time Frame
Generally, a healthy dog's incision takes 10–14 days to heal. However, this can vary depending on factors like age, breed, health status, and the type of wound or incision closure method used.
Common Closure Techniques
- Absorbable Internal Stitches: Dissolve naturally and typically do not need removal.
- External Stitches (Non-Absorbable): Made from nylon or silk, need removal by a vet after 10-14 days.
- Surgical Staples: Quick skin closure using metal. Must be removed by a vet in about 10-14 days.
- Tissue Glue: Used on small or clean incisions, naturally falls off within 7-10 days.
Daily Monitoring Tips
- Check the site at least twice daily. Take photos from day one to compare healing progress.
- Watch for signs of problems: swelling, gaping, unusual discharge, bad odor, or behavioral changes such as lethargy or pain.
Warning Signs – Contact Your Vet If You Notice:
- Persistent or increasing redness, swelling, or warmth
- Severe, colored, or foul-smelling discharge
- Continuous bleeding beyond the first day
- Missing stitches or open segments in the wound
- Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or overall signs of illness
- Suture reaction — inflammation or drainage around stitches or firm bumps
Recommended Aftercare
- Use the E-collar (cone): Prevents your dog from licking, biting, or scratching the area.
- Limit activity: Keep your dog calm indoors, restrict stairs, jumping, and rough play for 10–14 days.
- Keep incision dry: No bathing or swimming unless your vet approves.
- Do not apply anything: Avoid creams, ointments, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol unless directed.
- Give prescribed meds: Administer all antibiotics or pain meds as instructed.
- Monitor drains/bandages: Change only as directed; never remove them yourself.
When Is the Incision Fully Healed?
Once the wound is closed, dry, and free from redness, swelling, or discharge — and your dog resumes normal behavior — the incision is mostly healed. Full scar tissue development and hair regrowth may still take up to three months.
Conclusion: Consistent observation, good hygiene, and following post-op care instructions are key. Always err on the side of caution and consult your vet if healing does not appear normal.
