After surgery or any incident involving a required incision and stitches, your pooch is likely going to be uncomfortable and she'll try to get those stitches out by licking and sometimes biting at them. As the incision heals and the fur starts to grow back, she'll probably suffer a great deal of itching in the area. Unfortunately, however, she can pull out stitches or cause inflammation or infection by licking and biting.
Items You May Need:
• Sock or bandage
• Dog T-shirt
• Elizabethan or cervical collar
Tip #1 - Keep her on a leash and under supervision for at least the first few days following the surgery. Your veterinarian may have a longer recommended time frame depending on the type of incision. Not only will being on a leash while outside allow you to keep an eye on her, it will also keep her from getting into strenuous activity or near dangerous objects that may pull the stitches.
Tip #2 - Place a bandage or small sock over an incision on the paw or leg.
Tip #3 - Put a dog T-shirt on her if the incision is on her chest. The shirt should not be restrictive against her chest nor should it be so big that it affects her walking capabilities.
Tip #4 - Place an Elizabethan collar or a cervical collar on your pooch to keep her from getting to her incision. While she may try to get the Elizabethan collar off for the first few days, she'll become used to it. Alternatively, you can use a cervical collar which is a slightly less-awkward device.