My dog has a bite cut near genitals, not bleeding. Stitches needed?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is not possible to know this just based on a description. It does though sounds concerning enough that warrants an evaluation by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to look at the wound up close to determine if stitches are needed. Also, antibiotics and pain control medications can be prescribed at the time as these wounds tend to be painful. Good luck!

Hi and thanks for posting! Sometimes bite wounds can leave pockets in the skin making the wound worse than they appear initially. It would be a good idea for this to be evaluated by a veterinarian. Your veterinarian will asses the area for pockets in the skin and asses whether or not stitches are needed. It seems small enough for tissue glue to be used but the wound may need to be closed with a stitch or two. A lot of bacteria is intro introduced into the skin and surrounding tissue during a bite. Brisquette may need systemic antibiotics as well to help lessen the chance of developing an infection. I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi there, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. That appears to be full thickness through the skin, and would likely benefit from sutures. Additionally, bite wounds have a very high likelihood of becoming infected without systemic (oral) antibiotics, so Hazel should be seen by the vet to get started on antibiotics. Hope this helps.

It doesn't appear deep. If there is no active bleeding, clean it up with a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution. I see you have a triple antibiotic ointment. You can dab a bit on the area. Place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent pawing or rubbing. Monitor for lethargy, fever, bleeding, swelling, discharge or loss of appetite. These are symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian.

If the wound is deep, ideally, your dog should be physically examined by a veterinarian. Sutures (stitches) may be needed to close the cut. If it is superficial, you may be able to manage it at home. I suggest carefully trimming (use clippers, not scissors) the hair away and cleaning the area gently with a diluted Betadine, chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) or similar [antibacterial solution](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-wound-and-skin-care-for-dogs). Dry thoroughly afterwards. A dab of a triple antibiotic ointment can be applied to a minor wound. Place an [e-collar](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/well-and-good-e-collar) (cone) on your dog to prevent licking. If the wound shows no signs of healing after a few days, consider an exam with your veterinarian. Monitor for lethargy,[ fever](https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-common-signs-your-pet-has-a-fever), [vomiting](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/vomiting-1/), [diarrhea](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/diarrhea-1/) or loss of appetite. Check the wound daily for redness, swelling, bleeding or discharge. These are all symptoms that warrant a visit to the veterinary clinic. In the future, it is always best and safest to have an [experienced groomer](https://www.petcoach.co/article/heres-why-you-need-a-professional-groomer) or your veterinarian remove any burs or matting from your dog.

Poor Gracie! Depending on the size and depth of the wound, it may need to be stitched shut. She will also need antibiotics to prevent infection. In this case, I think it's best that she is seen by a vet right away. The vet can stitch the wound if needed, can check her for any internal damage from the bite, and can prescribe antibiotics as needed. I recommend taking her into a vet now. Best of luck.

Those wounds should be seen by your vet for care, even if they elect to not suture them. Bites can carry bacteria deep into the tissue, causing infection. I recommend getting him in to see your vet as soon as possible for evaluation and wound care.