My Dog Magnolia May is Biting her Stitches

Dear Miss Fifi: 

My dog Magnolia May just keeps on biting at her stitches. How do I get her to stop? 

- Peyton 

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Dear Peyton: 

Thanks for writing in. Miss Fifi sure loves the name of your dog. Now, as for caring for stitches, I have a couple of suggestions.

Monitor Magnolia May for signs of swelling, hemorrhage, drainage or discharge, redness, excessive pain or dehiscence (the incision is beginning to open). In other words, if anything looks funky, call her vet. If she's licking her stitches, it's a good indication that there may be a problem. Also, remember, keep her incision dry—no baths and no playing outside in the rain or the mud. Try to keep her from jumping and going up and down the stairs a dozen times. 

If she licks her stitches, it can cause a secondary bacterial infection, and biting or scratching might rip out the stitches. Miss Fifi has heard that bitter orange cream can be dabbed around the stitches to keep her away. An Elizabethan Collar, or e-collar, can also be used. Now, try not to laugh at little Magnolia May if she's wearing an e-collar; it's mean. If you do go for an e-collar, then try to give her some "free time" during the day where she can snuggle with you on the couch while you monitor her biting. She'll thank you for it later. 

Other than that, just be sweet with her and baby her, and let her know you love her. You're doing a good job, buddy!