Your Pet’s Surgical Incision: What’s Normal and When to Call the Vet
Bringing your dog or cat home after surgery can feel a little nerve-wracking. As veterinarians, we know many pet parents spend their first evening checking the incision every few minutes, wondering, “Does that look normal?” The good news is that most surgical incisions heal very well with monitoring and patience at home. A quick daily check and a few simple precautions can help ensure your pet’s recovery goes smoothly.
Here’s what we want you to know about caring for a surgical incision at home.
The 10-Second Daily Incision Check
Once or twice a day, take a quick look at your pet’s incision. You don’t need to poke or press. A visual check is enough!
Here’s what is considered normal:
Color
- Light pink to slightly red for the first few days
- Redness should gradually fade
Edges
- Clean and closed
- Skin edges touching each other
Swelling
- Mild swelling in the first 24–48 hours
- Should slowly decrease
Fluid
- Clear or slightly pink fluid can be normal
- No thick discharge or odor
Warmth
- Slight warmth is normal
- Should not feel hot or very painful
Color
- Light pink to slightly red for the first few days
- Redness should gradually fade
Edges
- Clean and closed
- Skin edges touching each other
Swelling
- Mild swelling in the first 24–48 hours
- Should slowly decrease
Fluid
- Clear or slightly pink fluid can be normal
- No thick discharge or odor
Warmth
- Slight warmth is normal
- Should not feel hot or very painful
Common Questions Pet Parents Ask After Surgery
“Is it normal for the incision to look a little red?”
Yes. Mild redness during the first couple of days is common as the body begins healing.
“Can my pet lick the incision just a little?”
Unfortunately, even a little licking can delay healing or remove sutures. Preventing licking is one of the most important parts of healing.
“Should I clean the incision?”
In most cases, no. Unless your veterinarian instructs you otherwise, it’s best to leave the incision alone and allow it to heal naturally.
Learn more about the science behind KeraVet Gel here.
Dr. Kim
The KeraVet Team
Dr. Kim Farina is a practicing veterinarian and KeraVet marketing consultant who is passionate about helping pets heal properly even when they strongly disagree with the plan.