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My dog licked her spay incision. When should I call the emergency vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd | Female | spayed | 5 months and 16 days old | 19 lbs

My dog licked her spay incision... do I need to take her to an emergency vet ? Photo without pink shirt in pic was a few days ago. She had surgery Friday

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6 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 7th, 2017

This looks ok right now. I recommend trying an ecollar on her to prevent further licking and monitor overnight. If her incision becomes open, swollen or has a discharge she should be seen by a veterinarian

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11Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Oh no! Kimber's incision certainly looks red and inflamed, indicating possible infection. Since the incision still appears to be closed, you don't need to rush to an emergency vet tonight. Instead, put an e-collar (cone) on Kimber to prevent further licking and take her to the vet in the morning. I hope that all goes well!

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    5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Sarah Box, BVSc

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Poor Kimber!! Healing incisions can be so terribly itchy! I don't think a trip to the ER is indicated at the moment, but I would strongly recommend that Kimber wear an ecollar/plastic cone to make sure she doesn't lick her incision more. If you did not get one from your vet after the surgery you can find them at petsmart/petco etc. monitor the surgery incision carefully for drainage/discharge, swelling or redness. I would definitely follow up with your regular veterinarian if you notice any of these things, or Kimber does not seem to be feeling well.

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    8Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 3rd, 2019

    The incision appears OK right now from the photo but you MUST stop her from licking the incision or it will get infected and potentially open again. You need to get her a "cone" to wear if you don't already have one. You can buy them at most large pet stores or online. It must be long enough to go past the end of her nose or she will still be able to reach it. Until you can get a cone you can put a T-shirt on her to protect the incision. The swelling around the incision is usually due to a mild reaction to the underlying stitches but if it look asymmetrical or if you push on it gets smaller then she should see a vet as that may be a hernia.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on January 25th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks ok in the picture though it is hard to tell for sure just based on one picture and the whole incision cannot be seen on this picture. In theory, if she has not bothered her incision in 2 solid weeks, this should already be healed. If there is no actual wound or opening, no smell or discharge, you can continue to monitor. Continue to use the e-collar for another week. If any discharge or smell is noted, have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment. Good luck and have a great day!

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 4th, 2023

    Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This incision looks infected to me. Licking is very bad for that incision especially when it's directly after surgery. The discharge coming from it looks like pus (greenish/yellow). I recommend you take her back to your vet for them to check the incision as I suspect she will need antibiotics. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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    4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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