First, buy a snap on E-collar. It's much easier to put on and take off for eating and drinking. You have to leave it on all the time because it only takes a minute of carpet surfing to rip out stitches. Ripped out stitches mean an expensive trip back to the vet for more surgery to fix it.

You can give Benedryl to make the dog more relaxed. 1mg per lb of dog. I'd start with 1 25mg pill if the dog has never taken it before.


In the morning, use a warm wet towel as a compress on the eyes to soften the gunk that forms on the stitches. Don't wipe. Just hold the wet towel to the eyes and the crusty goo will come off and make the dog more comfortable.


Some vets put the dog on antibiotics for 7-10 days. Some don't.




I don't rescue animals because I want to feel better about myself, or morally superior to anyone. The best part of my life with animals is the humility they teach and the humanity the foster.
Jon Katz "Soul of a Dog"

rub....at all. It is very important they don't tear any sutures. I'm assuming he has a cone.