What Should a Spay Incision Look Like? Everything You Need to Know

Spaying your pet is a common procedure performed to prevent unwanted litters and to protect your pet’s health.

After the surgery, it’s essential to keep an eye on the spay incision site and ensure it’s healing correctly.

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about what a spay incision should look like, how to care for it, and what to do if something doesn’t seem right.

Table of Contents

• What is a spay incision?
• What should a spay incision look like?
• How long does it take for a spay incision to heal?
• What are the signs of a healthy spay incision?
• What are the signs of an infected spay incision?
• How to care for a spay incision?
• Can a spay incision open?
• When should you be concerned about a spay incision?
• How to clean a spay incision?
• How to prevent complications after spaying?
• Can spay incisions have stitches or glue?
• When can dogs go back to normal after spaying?
• Why is my dog still licking the spay incision?
• How to prevent your pet from licking the spay incision?
• Conclusion
• FAQs

What is a Spay Incision?

A spay incision is a surgical cut made by a veterinarian in a female dog’s abdomen to remove the uterus and ovaries.

This procedure is also known as ovariohysterectomy, and it’s one of the most common surgeries performed on pets.

The incision is usually made near the belly button, and the length depends on the size of the dog.

What Should a Spay Incision Look Like?

A healthy spay incision should be clean, dry, and free from discharge, swelling, or redness.

It’s normal for the incision to be slightly swollen and red for a few days after the surgery, but it should gradually improve.

The edges of the incision should be smooth and held together by stitches or glue.

In some cases, the incision may have a few small bumps or nodules, but they should be painless and gradually go away.

How Long Does It Take for a Spay Incision to Heal?

The time it takes for a  incision to heal depends on the dog’s size, age, and overall health.

On average, it takes about ten to fourteen days for the incision to heal completely.

However, some dogs may take longer to heal, especially if they’re overweight or have other health problems.

What are the Signs of a Healthy Spay Incision?

A healthy spay incision should show the following signs:

• Dryness and cleanliness
• Slight swelling and redness for the first few days
• Gradual improvement of swelling and redness
• Smooth edges held together by stitches or glue
• Small bumps or nodules that gradually go away
• No discharge or foul odor

What are the Signs of an Infected Spay Incision?

An infected spay incision may show the following signs:

• Swelling and redness that get worse over time
• Discharge of pus or foul-smelling fluid
• Pain or discomfort when touched
• Loss of appetite or lethargy
• Fever or chills
• Bleeding or oozing from the incision site

How to Care for a Spay Incision?

Proper care of the spay incision is crucial for quick healing and to prevent complications.

Here are some tips to care for a  incision:

• Keep the incision site clean and dry
• Don’t let your dog lick or scratch the incision
• Avoid bathing your dog for at least ten days
• Use a Surgical pet shirt to prevent your dog from licking the incision
• Monitor the incision site regularly for any changes
• Follow your veterinarian’s instructions for medication and follow-up appointments

Can a Spay Incision Open?

It’s rare, but a  incision can open if the dog is too active or if the stitches or glue fail to hold the incision together.

If this happens, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

They may need to re-stitch the incision or provide additional treatment to prevent infection.

When Should You Be Concerned About a Spay Incision?

You should be concerned about a  incision if you notice any of the following:

• Excessive swelling or redness that gets worse over time
• Discharge of pus or foul-smelling fluid
• Persistent pain or discomfort
• Loss of appetite or lethargy
• Fever or chills
• Bleeding or oozing from the incision site

If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How to Clean a Spay Incision?

Your veterinarian will give you specific instructions on how to clean the incision site, but generally, you should clean it with a mild antiseptic solution or warm water and soap.

Use a clean cloth or gauze to gently clean the incision, being careful not to rub or irritate it.

After cleaning, dry the incision site thoroughly.

How to Prevent Complications After Spaying?

To prevent complications after spaying, follow these tips:

• Keep your dog calm and quiet for at least ten days
• Monitor the incision site for any changes
• Follow your veterinarian’s instructions for medication and follow-up appointments
• Don’t let your dog lick or scratch the incision
• Avoid bathing your dog for at least ten days
• Use a cone or Elizabethan collar to prevent your dog from licking the incision

Can Spay Incisions Have Stitches or Glue?

Yes,  incisions can be closed with either stitches or glue.

Your veterinarian will decide which method is best for your dog based on the size of the incision and other factors.

When Can Dogs Go Back to Normal After Spaying?

Dogs can usually go back to their normal routine about ten days after the surgery.

However, you should still monitor the incision site and avoid any strenuous activity or exercise for at least two weeks.

Why is My Dog Still Licking the Spay Incision?

Dogs may lick their incision out of discomfort, boredom, or anxiety. However, excessive licking can slow down the healing process and even cause an infection.

If your dog is licking the incision, use a Surgical pet shirt to prevent them from doing so.

How to Prevent Your Pet from Licking the Spay Incision?

To prevent your pet from licking the  incision, use a Surgical pet shirts, distract your pet with toys or treats, or keep them in a confined space where they can’t reach the incision.

Conclusion

A spay incision is a routine procedure that can prevent unwanted litters and protect your pet’s health.

It’s crucial to monitor the incision site after surgery and ensure it’s healing correctly.

A healthy  incision should be clean, dry, and free from discharge, swelling, or redness.

If you notice any signs of infection or other complications, contact your veterinarian immediately.

FAQs

Is it normal for a incision to be swollen and red?

Yes, it’s normal for a incision to be slightly swollen and red for a few days after the surgery.

However, if the swelling and redness get worse over time or are accompanied by other symptoms, such as discharge or fever, you should contact your veterinarian.

How long should I keep a cone on my dog after spaying?

Your veterinarian will give you specific instructions on how long your dog should wear a Surgical pet shirt after spaying.

Generally, it’s recommended to keep it on for at least ten days to prevent licking or scratching of the incision.

Can my dog go outside after spaying?

Your dog can go outside after spaying, but you should avoid any strenuous activity or exercise for at least two weeks to prevent complications.

Keep your dog on a leash and monitor them closely to ensure they don’t irritate the incision site.

Can I give my dog pain medication after spaying?

Your veterinarian may prescribe pain medication after spaying to manage your dog’s discomfort. It’s essential to follow their instructions carefully and not give any over-the-counter medications without consulting with them first.

How long does it take for a  incision to heal completely?

A  incision usually takes around two weeks to heal completely. However, it’s essential to monitor the incision site regularly and follow your veterinarian’s instructions for medication and follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.