Dog Ate Staples From Incision

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Sometimes, despite our best efforts and watchful eye, dogs can remove their surgical staples. Unless your dog has done this within a few days of returning home from surgery, or you notice pus, excessive bleeding, or a large, open wound where the staple is missing, your dog should be just fine.

Do staples fall out on their own dog?

Following an operation, some animals remove their own stitches or staples before the wounds are fully healed. Stitches or staples may pop out due to excessive activity and motion causing tension on the wound. Wound infection or wound breakdown (dehiscence) can also lead to stitches and staples coming out.

How do I know if my dogs staples are infected?

Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of the following:

  • Continuous blood or fluids dripping from the incision site.
  • Excessive pus or seepage of white or yellow fluid.
  • Excessive redness of the skin.
  • Unpleasant smells.
  • Heat.

    • Are the instructions for care of different types of surgical incisions the same?

    The general instructions for incision care are the same for all surgical incisions.

    Under no circumstances should a dog with a fresh surgical incision be allowed to run off leash. Restrict your dogs activity for a period of 7-14 days, to allow the incision to begin healing. When you do take your dog outdoors, keep him on a short leash, and avoid long walks. Do not allow your dog to jump, rough-house with other dogs, or engage in any strenuous activity that could cause excessive stretching of the surgical incision, especially during the first few days after the operation. Excessive activity may cause the stitches to break apart, or may cause the incision to start bleeding.

    Your veterinarian may prescribe cage rest or confinement in a small room in certain circumstances.

    Do not bathe your dog or allow the incision to get wet. Never apply any cream, ointment, disinfectant, or other substance to the incision unless specifically instructed to do so by your veterinarian. In particular, NEVER clean the incision with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol since these products will damage the cells and delay healing.

    Do not allow your dog to lick or scratch at the incision, as there is a danger that the dog may pull out the stitches or may introduce an infection into the incision.care_of_surgical_incisions_dog_2018-01

    As long as the incision is not bandaged, inspect it at least twice daily. If a surgical drain was placed in the incision, you may be instructed to clean the drain several times per day. Your veterinarian will advise you when to return to your veterinary clinic to have the drain removed.

    FAQ

    What happens if your dog eats staples?

    No, there’s no need to take him to a vet immediately. This small amount of staples and the size of the staples should not cause any problems. I would feed him a slice of whole wheat bread now in order to wrap around the staples to cushion them as they go through the intestines.

    What to do if dog removes staples?

    Once the staples are removed, you’ll want to wipe the area with isopropyl alcohol again and then apply an antibacterial. A good option for this is Fauna-Care’s Silver Spray, which you can apply to help the remaining area heal.

    How long does it take for dog staples to heal?

    Do not allow your dog to lick or scratch at the incision, as there is a danger that the dog may pull out the stitches or may introduce an infection into the incision. As long as the incision is not bandaged, inspect it at least twice daily.