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Dog scratched incision scab. When should I worry and see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 1 year and 5 months old | 65 lbs

My dog scratched the scabs on her incision should we go see our vet

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on November 19th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It still looks mostly healed so I think it would be fine to monitor for now. If another scab forms then I would make sure to not her scratch it off. You can try to keep her from it by using dog "shorts" you may find online to try to cover that area. Hopefully, this continues to heal without problems. If it becomes a recurrent issue or it develops a discharge with a foul odor concerning for an infection, have her evaluated by a veterinarian then. Good luck!

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    Answered By Rebecca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 4th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If the scab isn't bothering Irie, monitor the spot for a few more days to see if it is resolving on it's own. If it is not getting better, gets any larger, has a change in color, starts draining or is painful or itchy then I recommend taking her into the vet to get it looked at.

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 11th, 2019

    Hello. Right now everything looks very quiet, I see no evidence of infection or irritation. Just keep an eye on the area & if you see her chewing or licking at the area, it is best to see your vet. Right now, it looks fine. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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