How long does it take for dog stitches to dissolve? Thankfully, stitches are designed to dissolve over time. If your pet is acting normally, you can wait several weeks or even months before bringing him in for further care. But sometimes it takes several months, so it’s best to be patient and wait until the stitches dissolve on their own. And even then, it might take several days to months. If your dog is acting up in between appointments, don’t panic!
You should avoid bathing your dog for the first couple of weeks, as it might scratch its stitches and irritate the wound. Another option is to put a neck brace on your dog so it cannot turn his head or scratch the stitches. The stitches will fall out in six to eight weeks. Your veterinarian will recommend a special diet during the recovery period. And be sure to limit your dog’s contact with other dogs, as he may try to lick his wound.
You can try to dissolve the stitches on your own, if you know how to do it. If your dog’s stitches are dissolvable, you can remove them at home. However, you should consult a vet to learn how to remove them safely. The golden rule is if the stitches don’t break down and the incision site isn’t inflamed, you can take them out.
The incision may be puffy and raised. Minor seepage may occur as a drop of blood-stained or clear fluid. If you see any abnormal swelling, thick discharge, or yellow-green discharge, call your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will give you advice based on the severity of your pet’s condition. Your dog will likely need additional care for a few days after the surgery. So make sure to follow the instructions given to you by your veterinarian.
Depending on the type of stitch, absorbable sutures will dissolving time differ. Different brands of absorbable stitches will dissolve at different rates. Consult with your vet and ask him how long it will take for his stitches to dissolve. In general, the shorter they stay in your dog’s skin, the faster he can get back to normal. If you don’t know how long it will take for dog stitches to dissolve, you can also ask your veterinarian for advice on how to dissolve them.
After the surgery, your pet should stay in a protective environment. Wear a cone or e-collar to prevent your pet from chewing, scratching, or licking his wound. Keep an eye on the wound and keep the vet’s contact information handy. Activity should slowly be resumed after the surgery. Observe carefully to see whether the stitches have disintegrated. If your dog is acting unusually, it may be an indication of an infection.
The healing process can take a year. Typically, absorbable stitches lose their holding strength after four to six months, but some can take up to one year. When the wound is completely healed, there should be no sign of any redness or discharge around the wound. The edges of the wound will thicken as the body begins to respond to the suture. If you notice your dog is experiencing any discomfort, try cutting off the suture sticking out of the wound. In some cases, your dog may even experience a sharp, shooting pain at the wound site. It may also experience a sensation in the area of the incision from the nerves in the body.
