My dog was neutered 8 days ago, and I caught him licking yesterday even with his cone one. And now the incision looks red, little puss. Should I be worried. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 35 lbs

By licking the incision your dog licked bacteria into it and now there is an infection. You should take Bentley back to the vet for a recheck. He will likely need prescription antibiotics and a bigger e-collar.

Dog Neuter Incision Red, Pus After Licking: Is It Infected?

Health & Wellbeing

Hi there. My dog was neutered about a month and a half ago and his empty scrotum (not sure what it is now called) is red. Do you know what this could be ? I have attached a photo and he does seem to be trying to lick it.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking (if any). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem if the redness does not improve in the next 4 days.

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

my male yorkie was neutered on 11/30/2017 .I took him back on 12/04/2017 for infection he was licking it even with the e collar on his paper says afwe 7 day's from the time he had it done 11/30 to take the cone off. He was healing fine now he has lic

It takes 7-14 day to be completely healed. A this point the incision should be closed. If he is causing redness you can apply the cone again and place cortisone cream along the red parts to help provide relief. It does itch when hair begins to grow back and that may be contributing at this point. If there is no discharge then I would not worry about an infection

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Training & Behavior

Dog neutered but other dog licked scab off

Poor pup! That area is very inflamed and may be infected. Keep the dogs separated and make sure your dog wears his elizabethan collar at all times. Get him seen by his veterinarian within the next 24 hours as he may need antibiotics. Make sure to keep him from any activity as well such as running or jumping. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

My dog is a 6 month old Shitzu poodle, that's was neutered on Saturday. He was sent home with a cone, but can't go in the crate because it's too big. He has been active since coming home despite all my efforts to have him calm. It also snowed this pa

Batman's incision appears quite red and inflamed. I can't zoom in far enough to be certain, but I'm questioning whether or not the top portion of the incision may also be slightly open. Based on the appearance of his incision, I think there's a high likelihood of infection. I strongly recommend taking Batman to see his vet today or tomorrow for further evaluation. He'll need antibiotics if an infection is diagnosed and will likely need anti-inflammatory pain medications if he isn't already receiving them. Given this redness, he's clearly been licking at his incision quite a bit. Since he's a little guy, you could try putting a baby onesie on him in the crate or use an inflatable donut collar (https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/well-and-good-inflatable-collar-for-dogs-and-cats). I hope that the rest of Batman's recovery goes smoothly!

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

just wanted to know if this incision was normal or if it got infected. keela has a cone on but i’m afraid he was able to lick it at night while i was sleeping. he’s able to lick even with the cone on, it’s just more difficult for him.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Keela. The incision site appears intact. The redness and bruising mainly seems to involve the surrounding skin. It is unlikely infected at this time, but I worry that it will become so if he continues to lick. I recommend trying a larger size collar on him so that he cannot access the surgical site. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

My dog got neutered 6 days ago. The healing seemed to be going well and everything was turning to normal color. But now this morning an area is red again. Is it infected?

Thanks for using Boop by Petco! While this may represent an infection, this is not definitive just based on inflammation. This may just be part of the healing process and may mean that he was able to lick at his surgical incision. I would encourage you to prevent him from licking at his incision at least until 14 days post-surgery to ensure healing. If it worsens, does not improve or you see any discharge, I would recommend you check in with your veterinarian to ensure at that point that there is no infection going on. At this point however, I think it would be fine to monitor it. Have a great day! I hope this improves and he is fine!

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

My dog got neutered about 4 days ago. He got his cone off and licked at it a little, now it’s a bit red. Should I be worried?

Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco with your question about Oreo. It does look a bit red but I would keep an eye on it for now. If it gets redder, the incision appears open, and/or it looks infected, have him seen by a vet right away. Try to make sure the cone stays on at all times. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

Our dog was neutered on Tuesday. Today is day 5 post surgery. Our dog was left unattended for about 3 hours and he managed to get his e-collar off and has been licking it for hours. It is reddened and possibly a tad bit bleeding. It also didn’t help

It is just red from him licking it. It looks fine. Just be sure to get the cone on him so that he cannot remove it. Typically lacing it through the collar and putting the collar on tight enough that you can only get two fingers between it and the neck will prevent them from removing it. I suggest you get this wound spray gel to put on it until healed. This should keep it from getting infected. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-antimicrobial-wound-and-skin-hydrogel-for-pets I would not be worry about him getting it wet, that will not dissolve the sutures.

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

My dog was neutered on September 14 and while there have been no problems with his healing, the base of his incision has become red within the past few days. Perhaps it is an infection? I have applied topical antiseptic and anti-itch medication (for

Thank you for reaching out about Gus. The incision site looks completely healed based on the picture you provided. The surrounding area does appear slightly red and irritated. If the area is bothering him and itchy it may greatly benefit him to been seen by his veterinarian and get him a prescription of steroid and antibiotics (if necessary based on his physical exam). If you have been applying these ointments and are not seeing improvements this would be the next step. The veterinarian will also evaluate the rest of his skin/fur checking for any parasites (ie fleas) and for possible irritation/infection elsewhere that might warrant oral medications.

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

Hi, I recently had my 11 month old male Australian Shepard fixed. It has been 48 hrs since his surgery and he is now chewing at the incision. I plan to get him an e collar as soon as the pet store opens. I'm getting worried it may be getting infected

Hi, thanks for using Boop by Petco! The incision is getting a little bit moist, but it likely isn't quite infected. The swelling and discharge is from him licking. Get the E-collar as soon as possible and see how it looks in 2 days once he is unable to lick at it. Gently use a damp wash cloth to blot the incision. If it is still wet and red by Monday it should be rechecked. Be sure to continue to exercise restrict him: no running, jumping, playing and leash walks only until the stitches are removed. Have a great weekend!

Updated on September 24th, 2025

My dog's neuter incision is red with pus after licking. Infected?

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My dog's neuter incision is red with pus after licking. Infected?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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Hi there. My dog was neutered about a month and a half ago and his empty scrotum (not sure what it is now called) is red. Do you know what this could be ? I have attached a photo and he does seem to be trying to lick it.

my male yorkie was neutered on 11/30/2017 .I took him back on 12/04/2017 for infection he was licking it even with the e collar on his paper says afwe 7 day's from the time he had it done 11/30 to take the cone off. He was healing fine now he has lic

Dog neutered but other dog licked scab off

My dog is a 6 month old Shitzu poodle, that's was neutered on Saturday. He was sent home with a cone, but can't go in the crate because it's too big. He has been active since coming home despite all my efforts to have him calm. It also snowed this pa

just wanted to know if this incision was normal or if it got infected. keela has a cone on but i’m afraid he was able to lick it at night while i was sleeping. he’s able to lick even with the cone on, it’s just more difficult for him.

My dog got neutered 6 days ago. The healing seemed to be going well and everything was turning to normal color. But now this morning an area is red again. Is it infected?

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Our dog was neutered on Tuesday. Today is day 5 post surgery. Our dog was left unattended for about 3 hours and he managed to get his e-collar off and has been licking it for hours. It is reddened and possibly a tad bit bleeding. It also didn’t help

My dog was neutered on September 14 and while there have been no problems with his healing, the base of his incision has become red within the past few days. Perhaps it is an infection? I have applied topical antiseptic and anti-itch medication (for

Hi, I recently had my 11 month old male Australian Shepard fixed. It has been 48 hrs since his surgery and he is now chewing at the incision. I plan to get him an e collar as soon as the pet store opens. I'm getting worried it may be getting infected

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