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My dog's spay incision is red after licking. Should I be concerned?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 9 years and 3 months old | 4 lbs

What could this be? It wasn’t there when I went to sleep 4 hours ago. However, when I woke up a few minutes ago she was licking her surgical site by that area. I don’t know how long she has been licking it. I think she just remembered it was there or she was bored because she hasn’t licked it in a long time & it’s healing. She had a onesie on since surgery but I took it off yesterday because she was behaving so well & now I wake up to this. Should I be worried? She no longer has access to it

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 5th, 2018

This red area looks like a bruise. It could be from a mild internal bleed just underneath the skin. I don't see any signs of infection however, which includes yellow or green discharge. I would monitor this area for the next 4-6 hrs to make sure it doesn't spread. As long as the area stays the size it is now and slowly goes back to normal tissue color over the next few days, then there is no need to worry. However, if the area of redness continues to spread, or if Precious begins to act ill (not eating, lethargic, vomiting, etc), then you should take her in to be examined by your vet right away. It is best to keep her cone on her at all times, especially when you are asleep and not able to monitor Precious. We don't want her opening up her incision site. I hope that things turn out ok for your pet Precious. Best of luck and take care!

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