How to Care for Your Dog or Cat’s Surgical Wound at Home

Caring for a dog or cat after surgery often raises many questions, especially when it comes to wound care. It’s common for pet owners to feel anxious about doing something wrong, and this is completely understandable.

Once the pet leaves the clinic and returns home, the responsibility for proper healing shifts to the family — and even with clear instructions, doubts and worries can appear during this recovery period.

Each veterinary surgeon has their own postoperative recommendations, and these should always be followed above all. While there are general principles that apply to most surgical recoveries, every case is unique. That’s why it’s so important for pet owners to keep close communication with the veterinarian responsible for the procedure. Any questions should be addressed directly with the professional who knows the surgical details and the specific needs of the animal.

In many cases, a protective dressing is applied to the wound right after surgery. This dressing should usually remain in place for the first 24 hours, as long as it stays clean and dry. The goal during this time is to prevent contamination and allow the body to start healing without external interference. If the dressing becomes wet or dirty before the recommended time, it should be changed carefully, using clean hands or gloves and avoiding any friction or trauma to the wound.

When the time comes to remove or change the bandage, the process must be done gently. If the gauze is stuck to the skin, a small amount of sterile saline solution can help release it without causing damage. From that point forward, it’s usually necessary to perform daily wound cleaning at home. This should be done with saline solution and sterile gauze, gently wiping the area and making sure to dry it completely before applying any new bandage or topical medication.

One of the most critical points in postoperative wound care is avoiding moisture. Even though saline is used to clean the area, it is essential that the wound is completely dried before being covered again. Humidity interferes with the healing process and increases the risk of infection, making this step fundamental for a smooth recovery.

In most cases, the veterinarian will recommend a topical antiseptic or healing ointment to be applied to the wound after cleaning. The gauze should be moistened with the prescribed product and applied in a circular motion, starting near the sutures and then moving outward. This method reduces the chances of dragging bacteria into the incision, and it’s a simple measure that helps prevent complications during the healing process.

For the first three to five days, it is often recommended that the wound remain covered, especially if there is a higher risk of contamination, dirt, or licking. Once scabs have formed and the skin appears to be closing properly, some wounds can be left uncovered to allow better air circulation. However, this decision must be made on a case-by-case basis, and whenever there's doubt, the best approach is to maintain the protective dressing until the follow-up appointment.

In situations where the pet has access to outdoor areas, where there’s dirt, or when the wound is in a location that easily comes into contact with urine, feces, or rough surfaces, it's safer to keep the site protected. The same applies if the pet tends to lick or scratch the area. Self-trauma is a common cause of delayed healing or wound dehiscence, and that’s why the use of an Elizabethan collar or surgical shirt is so important during recovery.

Healing time varies depending on several factors. The average period can range from seven to twenty-one days, but this will also depend on the animal’s health, the type of procedure performed, and even the tools used during surgery. For instance, when electrosurgical instruments are involved, it may take slightly longer for the skin to regenerate, as these tools cause a different type of tissue reaction. Additionally, the presence of bruises, localized swelling, or mild discharge during the first days can be expected in some cases, but they should always be monitored closely.

Any significant change in the wound's appearance, such as intense redness, foul odor, yellow or green discharge, detached sutures, or darkened skin, should be reported to the veterinarian immediately. Early detection of complications increases the chances of a successful recovery and reduces the need for additional interventions.

Every pet reacts differently to surgery, and healing is not always linear. While some animals show rapid improvement, others may take a little longer. What matters most is that the family remains attentive and committed to following the guidance provided by the veterinarian. Wound care is a daily commitment, and although it may feel overwhelming at first, it quickly becomes part of the routine.

Supporting a pet through recovery is an act of love and responsibility. By taking simple but consistent steps, pet owners can make a tremendous difference in their dog’s or cat’s healing journey — ensuring comfort, safety, and a full return to health.

About the autor

Felipe Garofallo is a veterinarian in Brazil, specialized in orthopedic and neurosurgical care for dogs and cats.

He is also the founder of Ortho for Pets – Veterinary Orthopedics and Specialties.