My Dog Has a Cut in His Mouth & I Think It's Infected but How Will I Know?

Some dog injuries do not require a trip to the vet, but any time your dog sustains any injury, watch it closely for signs of necessary medical treatment. For instance, if your dog receives a cut in its mouth, as long as it is not deep enough to require stitches and bleeding stops, the wound should heal on its own. However, this type of wound may become infected. Keep an eye out for signs of infection.

  1. Time Frame

    • In a healthy dog, many wounds will heal on their own, especially if the wound is a minor cut. When you notice your dog has a cut in its mouth, check the wound daily if your dog will let you. Each day, the wound should make improvements. For an otherwise healthy dog, this type of wound should heal on its own within 10 to 14 days. If the cut is not showing signs of improvement, and it has been two weeks, visit the vet to check for infection.

    Color of the Gums

    • The normal color for a dog's gums is a pale pink. If a portion of the gums receives a cut, the color turns a darker pink. This is normal but watch the color for other changes. If the cut becomes infected, the color is likely to become redder. If the area becomes bright red, it is likely that the cut has become infected. Consult a veterinarian to determine if further treatment is necessary.

    Discharge

    • Once the cut stops bleeding, no further discharge should be present during the healing process. An infected cut, however, may begin to seep various types of discharge. Monitor the cut for any sign of abnormal discharge. In some cases, this discharge may be thin and clear, making it difficult to differentiate from normal saliva. However, in other cases, an infected wound will ooze a thick pus, which is a sign that infection is present. See your veterinarian as soon as you notice any type of discharge from the wound.

    Breath

    • Some dogs naturally have what people refer to as "doggy breath." While a dog's breath is not usually pleasant, a sign of an infection within your dog's mouth can present itself in your dog's breath. Smell your dog's breath daily while its cut is healing to track any changes in your dog's breath. If its breath becomes more foul than normal for your dog, make an appointment with your veterinarian to diagnose an infection and receive proper treatment if necessary.

    Changes in Behavior

    • While it is normal for your dog's behavior to change somewhat when it is injured, a further change can be a sign of infection or a more serious problem. If your dog has a cut in its mouth, it may not eat as well because it hurts. That is normal but should improve as the cut heals. If your dog still refuses to eat or drink or seems to be in a lot of pain after several days, take your dog to the vet to make sure the wound is healing properly and an infection is not developing.