My dog licks his surgical wound after surgery. Is any licking safe?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Standard Schnauzer | Male | unneutered | 6 months and 4 days old | 32 lbs
Is there an acceptable amount of licking a wound that a dog can do after surgery? My 6 month old puppy was neutered two weeks ago tomorrow. I've been taking his cone off the last couple of days to see how he does and he starts licking so I put the cone on right away. I also don't know what a healed wound looks like to know if he's just investigating the wound or capable of reopening the wound. They used a surgical glue to close the wound, not external stitches. I've attached a pic of the wound.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 21st, 2019
As far as I can see the wound looks fine at this stage. Cone should be kept all times unfortunately, as licking can delay healing process and open up skin margins. There is no acceptable amount of licking, the wound can open up any time. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 20th, 2020
It does not look infected but it does look like it may open if he continues to lick. You need to get him a cone collar to stop him from licking. You can put some Neosporin on the incision twice a day. DO NOT take the cone off until the incision is completely healed (I would say about 7 days). https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/well-and-good-e-collar
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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