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I'm worried about my dog's spay incision. Is the red spot normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Female | spayed | 14 lbs

Does my dog’s spay incision look okay? The small red spot on the left side of the wound is worrying me

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 26th, 2019

It looks to be healing just fine. The red dot is nothing to worry about - it just a scab. There is a swelling under the skin at the top of the incision and that is normal as well. It is a knot from the stitches under the skin.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 29th, 2018

    It does not look infected, just a little red, which is normal. It appears that your vet used catgut as suture material which sometimes looks wrinkly, not necessarily pretty. Eventually, when the sutures are removed the skin will smoothen out.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on January 21st, 2020

    Minor redness, in the absence of other symptoms, is likely no cause for concern. Keep the site clean and dry. Restrict activity to just leash walks for elimination and avoid running, jumping or rough play. Monitor the site for swelling, discharge, bleeding or bruising. Monitor Lucy for lethargy, fever or decreased appetite. Keep the e-collar (cone) on her until the sutures are removed.

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    Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 23rd, 2020

    Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It looks like normal skin bruising after neutering. As long as the wound is not open, swollen or discharging it means that is healing ok. Please, make sure that Chewy is not licking or chewing the incision. However, if notice that Chewy is lethargic, or the wound is painful to touch or swollen, you should take her to your vets for an appointment.

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