Stitches

How do I bathe my dog without hurting the stitches on his face?

My dog is wearing a heavy plastic funnel because he has stitches over his eye that he'd mess with if it weren't for the funnel. The funnel is supposed to be on for 10-14 days. He threw up in the funnel tonight. I wiped down the funnel and his face, but oh my the stench. I don't normally bathe my dog (I have a groomer), but I have to get rid of this smell. Can I bathe my dog (or at least his face, neck, and ears) without hurting the stitches?

Public Comments

1. try to get a was cloth and wash around the wound and try to calm the dog down so its relaxed and just continue washing the rest of its body good luck!
2. Awh, I'm sorry. I hate when they have to wear the satellite dish. Funny... but so sad. I believe I've purchased cat/dog wipes for their fur before. I know I have for the cats, but I don't remember if they are appropriate for the dog. They are like hand wipes... Definately don't get those stitches wet.
3. You can wash with lukewarm water, but be gentle and careful near the stitches. You can also use rubbing alcohol near the stitches to make sure they stay sterile.
4. i really dont know but i have a dog so im in the pet department often and i have seen these wipes i think they are pretty much like wet wipes and they claim to be an easy way to wash your pet. i have seem them at walmart. that seems the safest way to me since you probably shouldnt wet the stitches
5. how bout some vinegar to wipe things with? Or some listerine.
6. I've dealt with post-op so maybe I can help. If the "funnel" you have is what I was told to call an e-collar, then it should be removable to do what I suggest. You didn't say how many days post-op he is. 10-14 days is when the stitches can be taken out, so if he's several days post-op, there's less problem. Get a bucket of soapy water and a bucket of fresh water. Dawn is especially good soap to use. Get several wash cloths and a towel. Also get a bottle of Fabreeze. If you can remove the collar temporarily and put it back, remove it to do a towel wash up. Soak one cloth in soapy water and gently wipe the areas where the vomit was. If you have to do the stitch areas, just be extra gentle. Do this till you feel you've gotten all the gunk off. Cleanse the soapy water off with the clear water. Pat the fur dry. Take one last dry wash cloth and spray Fabreeze on it and gently rub it on the fur areas, but stay away from the stitches. That should do the job. If you had the collar off, wash it thoroughly and then put it back on. Having the collar off for a wash-cloth bath won't be long enough for her to bother her stitches. Let me know if you need more help.