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My dog's spay stitches have pus. Can I clean it or wait for the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 60 lbs

It is the weekend so our vet clinic is closed. Our 10 yr old pup got spayed after having a decent sized infection in her uterus also had a mass in her mammary gland removed (which is thankfully non cancerous.) Tuesday is her scheduled removal of the stitches unless they have an opening on monday. It seems one of the stitches has a tiny bit of pus. All the other stitches are healing okay. My fiance is worried a bit. Is it okay to leave it until Tuesday? Can I do something to help clean it?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Oneal Bogan, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 13th, 2018

Hi there. I would try cleaning it with some mild soap and warm water. She may be having a reaction to the suture material. As long as their incision is still holding together, and Aisha is acting normally, just clean and keep a close eye on her. Without seeing a photo I can't offer much more than that, but feel free to send a photo if you'd like more detailed advice. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Without seeing the discharge and incision I cannot give you a definite recommendation, but you can carefully wipe off the discharge with some skin disinfectant. Unless the incision looks very red, inflamed, is open or painful you can wait until Tuesday for your appointment. Should the pus increase or more stitches have pus then you should try to get Aisha into the vet's on Monday.

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