🩺 Vet’s 2025 Guide: How to Check Your Pet’s Stitches After Surgery 🐾

Congratulations on bringing your furry friend home after surgery! 🏡 Now begins the crucial recovery journey—monitoring their stitches, preventing complications, and helping them heal safely. In this comprehensive, vetted 2025 guide, Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc breaks down each healing stage, key signs to watch for, and essential tools like the E‑collar to ensure a smooth recovery.

📅 Daily Check‑Ins: Morning & Evening Routine

Establishing a consistent check routine is key. Inspect the incision site both morning and night for 7–14 days :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. Use a well-lit area and take photos to track progress from Day 1 onward :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

🔁 Stages of Healing Through the Incision

Understanding normal healing helps you recognize problems early :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}:

• Inflammation (Days 1–3): Mild pinkness, slight swelling, tender to touch; minor blood-tinged fluid may appear.
• Proliferation (Days 4–7): Scab forms, new tissue grows; itching increases—and chewing or licking must be prevented.
• Remodeling (Day 7+ ): Incision heals, skin closes tightly; by week 2 sutures or staples may be removed.

🧪 Types of Closures & What to Expect

• External stitches: Usually removed 10–14 days post-op :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Dissolvable sutures: Hidden under skin; no removal needed :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Staples: Metal clips removed around day 14.
• Tissue glue: Dissolves naturally—no removal required.

🚨 When to Call the Vet Immediately

Seek veterinary attention if you notice:

• Continuous bleeding or seepage lasting more than 24 hrs :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Warm, red, swollen site with yellow/green discharge or foul odor :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Sutures pulled loose, incision gaping open (wound dehiscence) :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Systemic signs—lethargy, fever, vomiting, refusal to eat :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

🔒 Preventing Licking, Chewing & Interference

Licking disrupts healing and introduces bacteria. Use these protective measures:

• E‑Collar (cone): Keep on 24/7 until sutures out :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Recovery suit or soft cone: Great alternatives if collars cause distress :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Supervised restriction: Keep active pets crated or in quiet rooms to prevent jumping :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

🧼 Cleaning & Caring for the Wound

• Keep wounds dry—no baths until fully healed :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Use vet‑prescribed saline or mild cleanser if advised. Dab gently around stitches—not directly on them.
• Follow all medication instructions—complete full courses of pain relief and antibiotics :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

🏋 Managing Activity & Environment

Prevent stress on the incision:

• Restrict exercise—no rough play, running, or jumping until sutures are removed and area healed :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Short, controlled leash walks only—no off-leash until fully recovered :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Recover in a crate or quiet room with bed, water, toys, and litter box :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.

📅 Suture Removal & Follow‑Up

Most stitches or staples come out 10–14 days post-op once healing looks good :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}. Always follow your vet’s removal schedule—never remove them yourself.

For internal or glue-based closures, no removal is needed, but checkups may be scheduled to confirm proper healing :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

📝 Keep a Recovery Log

Track your pet’s healing by noting daily observations:

• Photos of incision each day
• Redness, swelling, discharge, or bleeding notes
• Medication timing and dose records
• Activity levels and eating habits

This info helps your vet make timely decisions if problems arise :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.

❗ Complications to Watch For

• Seroma: Fluid buildup—soft swelling under incision, usually resolves with rest :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
• Wound reopening: May require veterinary treatment or re‑suturing :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
• Suture reaction: Lumpiness or redness around suture—inflammation from suture material :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.

📲 When to Use Ask A Vet

Have questions? Not sure if a swelling or discharge is serious? Licensed veterinarians at AskAVet.com and the Ask A Vet app are available 24/7. Easily share photos, ask advice, and get guidance—for peace of mind during recovery. 🐱📞🐶

🎯 Final Thoughts

Post-surgical care is about vigilance, protection, and clear communication with your vet. With daily checks, preventing licking, and keeping wounds clean and dry, you can significantly reduce risks and promote faster healing. Stay consistent, monitor changes, and reach out if anything concerns you—your pet’s comfort and recovery are worth it. 🏥❤️