I have a toy size poodle. He weighs 7.5 pounds. He likes to climb on me and I'm afraid that his nails will rip off my steri strips because I'm only 8 days post op. So far, I've had other people in the household take care of him for me. However, I feel bad because I'm not really spending any time him. When do you think my incisions will be healed enough that I can spend some time with my dog?

Put a pillow on your lap.

During the 1st week, I'd sit on the sofa with a pillow on me and let my dog lay on the pillow. But she's a pretty calm dog (I think she has narcolepsy! Lol) she was pretty happy with that.

Your skin will have definitely healed over. My doctor removed mine at my one week check up. I believe that they do internal stitches and the incision under the steri strip is quite superficial (at least mine was). I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Just make sure the pup doesn't jump on your tummy. But after a week I was relaxing on the couch with a pillow covering my stomach and just did my best to keep them off.

As you can see by my pic I've got the same issue. Kaity's gonna go go nuts when I get home. I'll just keep a pillow on my tummy whenever I lie down on the couch or my bed. Other then that... I think she'll be fine.

I concur with the pillow advice. My 8 lb cat sprang onto me about 4 days post op. Ugh! That re-activated my incision site nerves! I was fine but I considered buying her a collar with a bell on it

It's really just a good idea to keep a pillow on your tummy whenever you are sitting for the first couple of weeks anyway. The sneeze will come, the cough will come. I'm not gonna lie. It won't be pretty. The pillow will help you grab on to something.

good question!!!! my dogs are going to be nuts but a pillow and just having to make sure its not hurting i am sure!

its like a cut... just beware lol

My little dog didn't come home until I was 8 days post-op - he sensed something immediately wasn't right with me. He hasn't don't any jumping one bit on me - just lays at my feet. But, he is 10 and not as frisky. I love the pillow suggestions. I have not sneezed yet since surgery and I can see having one handy will be a good idea.

I think my Toy Poodle can sense that something is wrong. He has been very calm, but I try to keep a pillow on my stomach to avoid him from causing me any pain!

I went thru the same thing with my pups. 2 of my dogs are extremely close to me and constantly want my attention. I have it about a week, maybe a week and a half until I finally allowed then to come near me. They seemed so sad...

It's surprising how animals are so in tune with their owners! With that said I didn't come home until I was 1 week post op. when I was home my 5 lb frisky chihuahua was extra gentle with me. Very excited to see me, but she was calm and say at my feet or next to me the majority of the time. Like everyone else already has said a pillow will really help, it gives you that much needed support.

I Cover myself with aluminum foil in the area I'm concerned about works like a charm. I too have two toy poodles!

allons-y

My 65lb German shepherd was taught to give hugs by her previous owners (UGH). I was shocked when she could just tell something wasn't right and never made a move to try and climb on me. I was shocked and impressed. Dogs are way more in tune with us than we give them credit for .

My dog chorkie must of known cuz she hasn't climb on me ... & now that I'm getting better i just tell her no & she lays next me