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?

To be honest, we boarded our three dogs for the whole two weeks that I was home after surgery. Originally it was for one week but at the end of that week, I felt it would be better to have another week to heal up. It was worth the $$ to me, which is what counts.

However if that isn't an option, using a pillow, like others have suggested should work. You could also put a little Vicks Vapor Rub on your body (like right below the belly button or way up on your chest). I know the smell of that stuff keeps my dogs away from things. I put a teensy bit of that on our power cords when the critters were babies (especially the cat).

I sont have a small dog, but I do have a bug dog,

I don't have a small dog but I do have a big dog and a cat and a 2 year old niece and an 8 month old nephew that insisted in climbing all over me right after surgery. After all what is more fun than an adult with undivided attention!? But I just took caution and used pillows etc to protect myself and I was fine... Dogs are pretty in tune with what goes on, I'm sure your little baby will understand =) good luck

_{My dogs knew something was wrong...my house dog - who normally walks all over me - would just cuddle up against me, but didn't walk on me through that first month of hell...he would lay his little head on my belly like he knew it was hurt. My outside dogs who usually stand & hug..didn't...they just wanted pats on the head...animals know. They are so, so smart. You will be fine. Best of luck to you.}

I think they know something is up. My Siamese Cooper just lays beside me or at the end of the bed watching over me.