How much do dog stitches cost?
How much do dog stitches cost?
$100 – $600 average cost for minor to moderate wounds
$600 – $1,000+ average cost for severe wounds
Average dog stitches cost
Dog stitches cost $100 to $1,000+ depending on the wound severity, your dog's size, and where you live. Most pet owners spend $100 to $300 for minor injuries and up to $1,000 for larger or deeper wounds requiring more care. Additional fees can apply for anesthesia, follow-up visits, and stitches removal.
| Procedure | Average cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Minor sutures | $100 – $300 | Simple lacerations or small wounds requiring minimal sutures and local anesthesia |
| Moderate wound care | $300 – $600 | Deeper injuries or wounds in sensitive locations that require more stitches, possible sedation, and extra monitoring |
| Severe wound care | $600 – $1,000+ | Large, complex, or contaminated wounds often needing general anesthesia and more extensive aftercare |
Dog stitches cost breakdown
The cost for dog stitches includes more than just suturing. Expect additional fees for the vet exam, anesthesia, medications, and an Elizabethan collar. You may also pay separately for diagnostics like X-rays or blood work, follow-up visits, and suture removal.
The table below shows a breakdown of costs for dog stitches:
| Service | Average cost | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Initial vet exam | $40 – $80 | Covers your dog's assessment, wound evaluation, and treatment plan for stitches |
| Anesthesia | $65 – $300 | Varies by dog's size, temperament, and how complex the wound repair will be |
| Dog X-ray cost | $150 – $250 | May be needed to determine the extent of the injury or check for underlying damage before suturing |
| Dog bloodwork cost | $100 – $200 | Checks for infection, evaluates health before anesthesia, or investigates signs of systemic illness |
| Elizabethan collar (E-collar/cone) | $10 – $50 | Prevents your dog from licking or chewing stitches, helping wounds heal without interference |
| Antibiotics or pain meds | $25 – $85 | Used to manage pain and lower the risk of infection during recovery, if needed |
| Follow-up vet visit | $40 – $80 | Charged per visit; needed to check your dog's healing and address any concerns or complications |
| Dog stitches removal cost | $20 – $50 | Charged at a follow-up appointment; may or may not be included in the initial procedure fee |
| Emergency/specialty clinic surcharge | $100 – $300 | Additional charge for care outside regular hours or at specialty/emergency clinics |
Before the procedure
Preparation begins with a thorough veterinary exam to assess your dog's wound and overall health. Your vet may recommend diagnostics, like X-rays to check for underlying injury or blood work to rule out infection or anesthetic risk. The affected area is shaved, cleaned, and sterilized. For painful or complex wounds, sedation or anesthesia is planned to keep your dog safe and comfortable during stitching.
During the procedure
Your dog will be given local or general anesthesia, depending on the wound's severity and location. The veterinarian carefully closes the wound using the best option:
Non-dissolvable stitches: These are placed on the skin's surface (external) and need to be removed by your vet after healing.
Dissolvable sutures: These are used for tissues under the skin, so they are placed internally and do not require removal.
Skin glue or staples: These alternatives may be used depending on the wound and your veterinarian's assessment.
All stitching is performed with sterile instruments, and the wound is closed to promote fast, healthy healing.
After the procedure
After the procedure, your vet will provide at-home care instructions, antibiotics, and pain medication if prescribed. An Elizabethan collar is commonly used to prevent your dog from licking or opening the wound during the 10- to 14-day recovery period.
To support your dog's recovery:
Keep the wound clean and dry at all times.
Limit your dog's activity and prevent rough play until healing is complete.
Watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, discharge, or odor.
Give all medications exactly as your veterinarian prescribes.
Return for all scheduled follow-up visits and suture removal.
What affects the cost of stitches for dogs?
Several factors affect the cost of stitches for dogs:
Wound size and location: Larger or deeper wounds, or lacerations on high-motion areas, require more time, expertise, and supplies.
Dog's size and weight: Bigger pets cost more to treat due to greater needs for medication, bandages, and anesthesia.
Anesthesia: When required, full sedation or anesthesia is more expensive than just local numbing.
Type of clinic: Veterinary emergency rooms, 24/7 veterinary clinics, or urban animal hospitals charge more for dog stitches than general vet offices.
Aftercare and follow-up: Most vets charge a separate fee to remove the stitches at a follow-up visit. More complex wounds may need multiple vet visits.
Pet insurance status: Pet insurance costs and coverage vary by plan. Many cover all or part of dog stitches expenses, so carefully check your policy for coverage details and out-of-pocket requirements.
FAQs about dog sutures
Does my dog need stitches?
Your dog may need stitches if a wound is deep, longer than half an inch, or doesn't stop bleeding. Only a veterinarian can determine if sutures are necessary after examining the injury.
Can you use liquid stitches on dogs?
Liquid stitches or tissue adhesives can be used on some minor wounds in dogs. However, this should only be done under veterinary supervision to ensure proper healing and safety.
How soon can you bathe a dog after stitches are removed?
You should not bathe your dog while stitches are in place, as getting the wound wet can slow healing and raise infection risks. Wait at least one to two days after stitches are removed and only bathe once your vet confirms the wound is fully closed.
How long do dog stitches take to heal?
Most dog stitches heal within 10 to 14 days, depending on the wound and your dog's health. Following your veterinarian's care instructions helps ensure a quick and safe recovery.
Can I remove my dog's sutures myself?
Never attempt to remove your dog's sutures at home. A veterinarian should always perform suture removal to prevent pain, infection, or wound complications.
Questions to ask your vet about dog stitches
Before your dog receives stitches, ask your vet these questions to ensure you understand the procedure, costs, and aftercare required:
What type of sutures will be used?
How much will the entire treatment cost?
Will my dog need anesthesia or sedation?
Are X-rays or blood work necessary?
What at-home care is required during healing?
When should my dog return for a follow-up visit?
What signs of infection or complications should I watch for?
Is an Elizabethan collar required?
Will pet insurance cover any charges?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.