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Dog licking neuter site, white discharge after cone removal. Infected?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Male | neutered | 11 months and 19 days old | 20 lbs

Hi my dog got neutered a few weeks ago and wore a cone for two weeks. His surgery site was normal while he wore the cone. We took off the cone and he's been licking his site a lot and I'm worried that the site is infected/open. There is no serious redness going on but there it looks like there's a small hole and white stuff coming out

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 1, 2017

It is concerning that there is white stuff coming out of Filos' incision, and that could be pus which is a sign of infection. I would put the cone back on him for now, and have him seen by a vet in the morning. If the incision is infected, the vet can prescribe him antibiotics to treat the infection.

5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Veterinarian
The white material could be infection or pus. The neuter site should be completely healed by 10-14 days out from surgery, so since it's been this long I recommend a recheck to see if he needs to be on antibiotics and additional pain medication to alleviate the licking.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 1, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Skynrd. The picture came through a little blurry, but he appears to have an infection at the incision site. He will need to see his veterinarian as he may require an antibiotic. Keep the area clean and dry and do not apply any topical ointments. These can irritate the skin further. Try your best to keep the cone on him to prevent any further trauma. There are also inflatable neck collars available that may be more comfortable for him and still prevent the licking. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Training & Behavior

My dog's neuter incision is red with pus after licking. Infected?

By licking the incision your dog licked bacteria into it and now there is an infection. You should take Bentley back to the vet for a recheck. He will likely need prescription antibiotics and a bigger e-collar.

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Health & Wellness

Why is my dog licking his neutered area? Is it fleas or an infection?

Poor Shiloh, I see what you mean about the sore. Yes, this could be due to the fleas. I would put a cone on him to keep him from licking the area. You can get one at a pet store if you don't already have one. Keep an eye on the sore and if it gets worse or appears infected, then I would have him seen by a vet. I hope this helps!

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My cat licked neuter incision after cone removal. Is it an emergency?

Oh Chandler, what a naughty kitty. They are so good at removing their cone! It looks like there is a little prolapsed tissue there likely from where he opened the incision. As long as he keeps his cone on overnight it will likely be okay to see you vet tomorrow. They can then make sure he doesn't need a suture and/or antibiotics. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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My dog licked his neuter incision after getting wet. Is it infected?

It is just red from him licking it. It looks fine. Just be sure to get the cone on him so that he cannot remove it. Typically lacing it through the collar and putting the collar on tight enough that you can only get two fingers between it and the neck will prevent them from removing it. I suggest you get this wound spray gel to put on it until healed. This should keep it from getting infected. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-antimicrobial-wound-and-skin-hydrogel-for-pets I would not be worry about him getting it wet, that will not dissolve the sutures.

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Another dog licked my neutered dog's incision. What should I do?

Poor pup! That area is very inflamed and may be infected. Keep the dogs separated and make sure your dog wears his elizabethan collar at all times. Get him seen by his veterinarian within the next 24 hours as he may need antibiotics. Make sure to keep him from any activity as well such as running or jumping. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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Is my dog's neuter incision infected? He licked it through the cone.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Keela. The incision site appears intact. The redness and bruising mainly seems to involve the surrounding skin. It is unlikely infected at this time, but I worry that it will become so if he continues to lick. I recommend trying a larger size collar on him so that he cannot access the surgical site. I hope this information helps!

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Why is my neutered dog's incision bleeding with discharge? Infected?

That does look a bit concerning with the blood, and if Agno is hunching or acting painful (with the quick steps and then sitting), I'd worry that it is bothering him. I would use a warm washcloth compress for 10-15 minutes to help reduce any pain or swelling and also to clean up the area gently so you can see if there is extra discharge or swelling. If this causes him pain, there is discharge that is discolored, green, or yellow, or the site is opening back up again, a trip to the vet is best to treat any infection and make sure the surgery site is healing properly. Until you can get to the vet, strict kennel rest (leashed walks only) is best to help reduce pain and prevent any open wounds from tearing further.

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