Your pets will probably have to have stitches at some point in his or her life. Whether it is after an injury or after a surgery, nine times out of ten, your pet won’t have any problems.
Occasionally, your pet’s body will have a reaction to the stitches. You may see the area around the stitches become red, swollen, and inflamed. A little reaction can be treated at home easily.
- Apply a hot compress. A certain amount of swelling is normal after a surgery and stitches. Using a hot, wet compress can help promote healing and help keep the area clean. Apply the compress for five minutes at a time, a few times a day.
- Keep the stitches clean. Use water or sterile saline solution (contact lens solution) on a gauze pad. Dab the wound, then pat it dry.
- Keep your pet from licking, scratching, chewing, and otherwise bothering the wound. You may need to put an Elizabethan collar (or conehead) on your pet. For larger pets, have them wear a t-shirt. This will protect the wound and create a barrier to the teeth, tongue, and claws. Also, the shirt will distract your pet, giving them something else to worry about — other than the stitches. For smaller pets, a tube sock or pair of tights may be used as a body stocking.
- Keep your pet from bothering the wound by applying a distasteful substance around the suture area. Try a thin layer of Vicks VapoRub, bitter apple, or even hot sauce to deter your pet from licking. Some pets may actually like the taste of the hot sauce! Your best bet may be the Vicks VapoRub — just be sure to not get the rub into the incision.
Call your vet if:
- The site of the stitches is very red or hot to the touch.
- The site of the stitches discharges pus.
- A stitch has come loose or been removed, and the wound opens.