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My dog has red spots around her spay incision. Is it infected?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 60 lbs

My dog got spayed about a week ago and I recently have noticed that she shad red spots around her belly. Could this have been due to her trying to lick the incision? ( her incision came looking like that so I’m not sure if that’s healthy)

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on June 6th, 2019

That looks like she has a skin infection and that could affect her incision. I suggest getting her back in to see the vet as soon as possible for an exam and probably antibiotics or some other medication to help her heal quicker.

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    Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on September 12th, 2017

    Poor Hippo! I am glad she did well with surgery, but sorry to hear she has had some complications. The picture looks like her skin is pretty irritated. It could be infected or just irritated. You could try a warm water and epsom salt compress a few times a day. However if it is not improving or if it looks worse at any time she really should be evaluated again. I hope she improves quickly!

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 26th, 2017

    That looks like moist dermatitis (superficial skin infection). You really need to get her back to your vet for an exam. She will probably need some oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatories to get that under control - it looks pretty sore. For now, you can apply a thin layer of Neosporin and be sure to keep an E-collar (cone) on her head to keep her from licking at it. It will never heal if she keeps licking it. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/dog/dog-health-and-wellness/dog-ecollars?ddkey=https%3ASearchDisplay

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 8th, 2018

    Yes this can be normal after surgery. The staples are holding nicely but the incision is inflammed and bruised more than some incisions. Please make sure she isn’t licking this by using a cone on her. If the redness and inflammation continue she may be getting a low grade infection so if she’s not on antibiotics in addition to the pain meds then you may want to bring her in for a recheck. Don’t clean the incision since forming a scab over it will help it heal. This should look less red every day. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Remi.

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