Sophie's Mom Needs Advice

[Valarie]

Sophie had her surgery yesterday.  She is not bothering the incision site but a large area of her tummy was shaved and this seems to be really itchy.  She has already put several scratch marks on herself.  What can I do to ease this itching.  There is a small area on her front leg where they shaved to put an IV in and this is bothering her too.  I hate to see her uncomfortable. 

Can anyone suggest something to ease this irritation for her?  Thanks in advance!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I used an inflatable collar on my foster after her spay surgery to keep her from licking or scratching the incision. It's been my experince that ointments & creams don't work very well on dogs. You might try a cortisone spray (sold at the pet supply store) to ease the itching, but I would check with the vet first to be sure it won't sting or irritate the incision. It should be fine on the leg.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I can remember calling the vet after Lucy and Sophie's spay for this very reason ..... if I remember correctly, she said I couldn't put anything on it. You could however maybe try putting socks on her feet so she won't cut herself when she scratches. Or maybe just try and get her to lay beside you and rub it for her. I would think it will pass pretty quickly.

[Phoebe's Mom]

I also used the collar and was told by my vet not to put anything on it. I know how strange this sounds but my vet also said that, if Phoebe could tolerate it, I could rub ice on the itchy regrowth (NOT the incision!). I incorporated it into our cuddle time and she loved to lie on her back on the foyer tile while I gave her a belly rub and then played with the ice. I am certain that the cold ice 'took her mind' off the itching. I often found her lying with her belly flat on the tile, too!

[Valarie]

I have been rubbing her tummy most of the morning. This does keep her from scratching. I am going now to look for some socks for her back feet. That should be entertaining.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Old Navy baby socks...the thick bootie kind with the little non-skids on the soles. I use them for Jack when he has torn paw pads, they fit & stay on pretty well.

[Valarie]

I am going this afternoon to get some baby socks. I sput a pair of mine on her back feet and she has tolerated them well and the areas on her abdomen already look less angry

[Adrianne Matzkin]

How is she doing today??

[Valarie]

Sophie is doing better. Two areas on her tummy are still there but not getting worse. She is wearing the pink baby socks. They look so funny. I think she likes them. Hope I can post some pics later. Her incision is healing well. And as everyone warned - it is now difficult to keep her calm - she is ready to play. Thanks for asking!!