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When can I bathe my dog after surgery if stitches are still in?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 2 years and 9 months old | 17 lbs

Is it ok to give my dog a bath 8 days after she’s had a surgery. She still has the stitches in.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 10th, 2018

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Molly. No, you do not want to bathe her while her stitches are still in as her skin is not completely healed yet. I usually recommend waiting about 24-48 hours after the stitches have been removed. If she has soiled her suture site, then spot clean the area with a damp cloth. I hope this information helps!

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