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My dog's spay incision is swollen and red. Is this normal healing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 15 lbs

My dog was spayed on Thursday and her incision looks swollen and red. Is this normal?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 6th, 2019

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The incision looks inflammed, but this could be part of the normal healing process. If there is any discharge, OR if the wound looked better than this previously and is now looking MORE red than say Friday or Saturday, I would take her back to the vet right away. If it is steadily looking better, and she is eating, drinking, pooping and peeing normally, then you can continue to monitor it. Best of luck with Lilo.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 6th, 2017

    Some redness and swelling in the area is normal after surgery, but if the swelling is large, there is a an excessive amount of a bloody or pus discharge, or the incision is warm to the touch, then I would take PJ into a vet right away.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 21st, 2018

    This looks like normal healing to me, and you can expect it to be a little red and swollen for a few days after surgery. Continue to monitor Piper's incision daily, and if the redness and swelling increase, it becomes hot, and/or you see pus coming from it, then take her into the vet. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Oneal Bogan, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 18th, 2018

    Hi there. Priat’a icnsion looks okay, there is some swelling but that can be expected. I would monitor for discharge that is yellow or green. If you see this it could be infected. For now just monitor closely. If you become more concerned most vets will have a look post op to make sure if you are concerned. I hope that helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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