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When can I remove my dog's cone after neuter with dissolvable stitches?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 9 years and 6 months old | 11 lbs

My dog got dissolvable stitches when he got neutered it’s been about 10 days now since the surgery, how will I know when the stitches are dissolved and I can take the cone off?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on March 28th, 2018

Hi there! I would recommend asking the vet who did his surgery how long you should leave the cone on. For my neuter patients, if absorbable sutures have been used for skin closure, I normally tell clients they can remove the cone after 10-14 days since the incision should be healed by then. The sutures themselves won't dissolve for a few more weeks, but it doesn't matter if the dog licks or chew them out before that, since the incision has already healed over. https://www.petcoach.co/article/surgery-on-your-pet-what-to-expect-before-and-after-the-pro/

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    Answered By Dr. Paula Simons

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 2nd, 2021

    I honestly would wait until the 14 day mark. You can trial times without it on if you are home and can observe him, then gradually give him more freedom. I always worry that they are still healing and can be itchy during this time frame and want to chew out their sutures.

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