How To Get A Dog To Stop Licking Stitches

Bring your dog back into the vet to have the stent surgical drain removed.

How to get a dog to stop licking stitches. You can use surgical tape available from most chemists to stick directly to hair or skin as this can usually be easily removed after soaking with surgical spirit. If this is the case try an inflatable collar instead which is softer and less obtrusive. The taste of the spray will stop your dog from licking at the wound. An inflatable vinyl neck brace is a variation of the rigid neck brace.

Confine your dog to a crate or isolated space. Here are some things you may need to do depending on your dog s procedure. She can still freely move her body and lower her head to eat or drink. Take medications as directed.

Gaffa or gaffer tape can also be used to cover bandages and it s easier to unpeel cleanly than duct tape but never stick it directly on fur or skin. Tell your dog no when she tries to chew then give her a treat when she stops. Alternatively try covering the bandage with a sleeve or protective cloth so your dog can t get to it. You can do the same by ensuring your dog can t get at the wound and by giving him lots of other things to amuse him including walks or play in your garden if appropriate and advised by your vet.

Clean the area of any discharge at least twice a day. And it may be suitable in some cases for keeping a dog from licking her stitches. Keep the wound clean and check on the stitches several times per day to make sure there are no changes or signs of infection. Also don t let the stitches get wet and avoid giving your dog a bath while the wound is healing.

These stay on your pet during the healing cycle and prevent your pet from licking. Tulanes closet onesie a soft cotton cover up with a easy to snap on and off fitting covers the whole body. However she will be unable to reach her stitches to lick them unless her stitches are on her front legs or front paws. If you can t keep the dog from licking or touching the stitches try covering the area with a soft t shirt or gauze.

You can also try keeping the wound bandaged and spraying it with a no lick repellent. We carry them at our clinics and they can be purchased at the time of surgery but regular vet offices and many pet stores carry them. Bitter apple is often effective at deterring chewing. To care for a dog with stitches do your best to prevent it from chewing licking or scratching the stitches.

The best way to get your pet to stop is to get an elizabethan or e collar aka lampshade or cone of shame.