Ways to Heal a Cut on a Dog

Dogs receive cuts, wounds and injuries in many ways. Knowing the type of injury that created the cut often helps you to determine how to aid in the healing. The severity of the cut effects how quickly it heals or if veterinary interventions, such as closing the opening with glue or stitches, may be necessary. Unfortunately, the cooperation of your dog also plays a role in the healing process.

  1. Bleeding

    • Place a muzzle or wrap a leash around your dog's mouth before examining the wound, if possible, as dogs often bite in a natural reaction to pain. Apply pressure directly to the wound with a clean cloth or sterile gauze to stop the bleeding. Continue to apply pressure until the bleeding stops. Add additional gauze or cloth to soak up the blood, if necessary, leaving the ones used in place to avoid disrupting the clot. Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately for serious bleeding or if the cut exposes muscle or fat.

    Veterinarian

    • Serious cuts or those with puncture holes generally require veterinarian care or require pain and antibiotic medications. Puncture wounds often create abscesses. Serious or deep cuts may require sedation to flush and clean thoroughly and surgically seal. Follow your veterinarian's instructions for medications and managing the cut to speed healing.

    Clean

    • Clean the cut only after giving the clot several minutes to harden. Gently cut any hairs from around the opening. Determine the type of wound, including superficial cut, deep cut or possible puncture wound. Use a clean cloth soaked with water and an antibacterial soap or dish washing solution to wash the area gently. Avoid touching the clot directly. Cleaning the cut helps prevent infections and aid in faster healing. Avoid cotton or material that might shed particles into the cut.

    Protect

    • Put antibacterial ointment on the cut and apply a loose bandage to help prevent the dog from licking or causing further damage. Use gauze to secure the bandage lightly to the area. Change the bandage at least once or twice a day. Use measures such as an Elizabethan or e-collars, stiff neck collars or other devices that prevent the dog from removing the bandage. Protect bandages on the body with a child's t-shirt loosely taped to prevent removal, or an infant one-piece outfit with a hole cut out for the tail for smaller dogs. Some dogs require removal of the devices for eating or using the bathroom; however, supervise and put the devices on again promptly. Ask your veterinarian about sedatives if you cannot prevent the dog from causing more damage to the cut.

    Healing

    • Examine the wound daily for signs of infection or problems, including redness, swelling, pus or foul odor. Maintain all medication for diseases that slow healing, such as diabetes and Cushing's disease. Consult with your veterinarian about evaluating your dog for underlying problems, including cancer, for cuts that do not heal.