How Do You Help A Dog Relieve Itchiness After A Surgery?
After a dog has surgery, oftentimes the hardest part of the recovery process is preventing the dog from scratching at the incision site. As the site heals, the skin around the sutures dries up. Dogs will seek relief through compulsive licking and biting on the stitches, which can cause irritation, fluid buildup and swelling. You can help your dog relieve the itchiness, which will speed up the healing process. Apply a topical solution to relieve itchiness around the incision. Use a sterile cotton swab to apply an over-the-counter remedy directly on the incision, such as aloe vera, calendula cream arnica gel or antibiotic ointment. Place a warm compress on the site three times daily to reduce swelling, irritation and aid in fluid drainage. Some dogs prefer cold compresses, so you might need to experiment to find out which provides better relief. Ask your vet for a prescription of a corticosteroid if your dog’s itchiness is severe enough to compromise the surgery site. Steroidal drugs suc