Bear got the chip and the snip

[krandall]

Kodi was sent home without a cone, and never bothered his stitches. We had enough pain meds for 4 days, but I think I only gave him two doses, because he was so sore he didn't want to move. After that, he improved rapidly, and didn't seem to need them. I'd also heard the pain meds can (albeit rarely) have some pretty nasty side effects, so I wanted to limit them as much as possible.

[mamacjt]

I also used a onsie when my dog was neutered. My guy was about 7-8 lbs then and I bought a 9 mo size. Sounds big, but you need the length.

[Carefulove]

The onesie worked for both of mine. Toby just got neutered a few weeks back (and microchipped too) and I kept that onesie one for the first two days.

I don't think he needs a cone if he has internal stitches and Dermabond (the skin glue rather than staples or stitches). That's what my doctor said and neither of my dogs got a cone. I did the onesie as added step only.

[BearsMom]

I've kept the pro collar on Bear most of the time (it's the inflatable one) and he isn't happy about it.....BUT he isn't nearly as upset as he was with the cone. For those of you who have gone through a healing period with your pup, do you think neosporin would help w/ healing at the incision site? I looked at it today, and it does look a little red with a little scab. I just want it to heal as quickly as it can.

[Beau's mom]

I think it is better NOT to use any topical medication. The vets seem to want the incision to get as much air a possible. A little redness is okay. If it gets to looking real red -- or if it starts oozing -- then call the vet and take him in for a check. There are usually two layers of stitches. If the top layer pops a little, there is still another layer holding the incision closed.
Btw -- for some reason, both human and doggy doctors are suddenly against neosporin! They say it's something about allergies. Everyone now wants POLYSPORIN (which is one of the ingredients of neosporin). I don't get it, neosporin always seemed just fine to me!

[Alcibides]

We tried the cone and the inflatable collar but what worked best was the clear plastic collar/cone that we got at the pet store. It's like a cone though not so deep (but deep enough so he couldn't reach the incision) but the fact that he could see through it seemed to make all the difference in his comfort wearing it. Good luck It's so sad to see them uncomfortable but they get better quickly. Glad that hurdle is behind you.

[Carefulove]

No, No neosporin. That is an ointment and will keep the insicion moist. You want it to dry as soon as possible.

[lfung5]

Poor little guy. I hate seeing them like that. I found all my guys were able to get to their incisions with the inflatable cone. I always had to go back to the dreaded plastic cone. Fred even tore out stitches in his leg because the inflatable one didn't keep him from it.

[BearsMom]

Thank you all for your advice I decided against using any ointment and just want the air to heal the incision. He's absolutely terrible with the cone so it's been the inflatable collar that has been on him. It doesn't completely prevent Bear from getting to the incision so we have been juggling puppy duty. I'm so ready for the 10-14 days to be over!

[Carefulove]

I honestly kept an eye/use the onesies on my guys for 3-4 days. After that, I took it off. They did not have stitches or staples, they had dermabond (skin glue). They would lick it but that is expected.
Don't go too crazy, a little licking there won't hurt him or open the insicion. If you take off the collar, he will go straight for it, but after a few minutes of licking it, he'll stop and act like nothing happened.