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My dog's neuter incision looks open after 7 days, what to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 7 years and 7 months old | 76 lbs

Hi we are about 7 days post neuter and i was laying with my dog and it looks like his incision has opened. It’s not bleeding or oozing but i was wondering what to do. The doctor said she left a little open so that any infection but I was wondering if this looks to big and what to do?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 5th, 2020

Hello. I have never heard of leaving a dog neuter incision open like this. We do it in cats & horses, but not dogs. If this is your veterinarians practice, then he should have sent home a Elizabethan cone to prevent Cutty from getting to & licking the incision. Personally, I do not like the way it looks & really think it needs to be cleaned up & sutured closed. Until you can see your vet, please purchase a protective collar to keep him from licking & clean the area 2-3 times daily with a povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine skin cleanser. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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17Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on July 31st, 2019

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! That is not normal. At this point it should be basically healed. This is showing signs of incisional dehiscence or opening which is a bit concerning and warrants reevaluation by his veterinarian. It may need re-suturing or it may be determined that it is best to let it heal by second intention so on its own. I recommend that you have him evaluated by his veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. In the meantime, make sure that he is unable to get to his incision to chew or bite at it as this may delay healing or make it worse. You may use an e-collar for this purpose. Have a good night!

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    4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 3rd, 2017

    This should be fine to monitor at home. If you are not using a plastic cone around Coach's head to prevent licking / chewing, I would highly recommend doing so otherwise he could potentially open the incision all of the way. If this were to happen, you would definitely need to bring him in to see your vet and have the incision closed again under anesthesia. For now, keep close watch on the area to ensure there is no swelling, drainage or further opening of the incision. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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