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My puppy is licking her spay incision. Should I put the cone back on?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 6 months and 9 days old | 7.2 lbs

My puppy just got her cone off from her spay today. We were told she had to wear it for an extra 3 days out of precaution & now those days have passed. Her vet said to wait a few more days before giving her a bath because there's still some crust over the stitches. Now she's starting to lick close to the site and I'm a little paranoid. Is a little licking okay? Or does the cone need be put back on?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 10th, 2017

Hello! Thanks for posting your question. In regards to snowball licking her incision site, no licking is better than licking. Licking can introduce bacterial infection into the incision site. It sounds as if the incision was healing quite well, but over grooming or excessive licking at an area that is healing may cause more irritation and potentially cause an infection. I would suggest keeping the cone on until she is no longer interested in licking at it. If you are concerned with how the incision is looking, then I would take her to your vet to have it checked out just to be on the safe side

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    Answered By Rebecca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Try to minimize her licking and redirect her attention from licking. But if she had the cone on at least 10 days since her surgery the skin should be healed closed and her licking shouldn't cause a big problem. Rub her belly a little bc she's probably itchy around that incision.

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