My dog has a clean cut. Does she need stitches or emergency vet?

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.

Hi. It looks too old for stitches, but she needs to be seen for a clip and clean and antibiotics. I would not put anything on it until your veterinarian prescribes it. Tonight you can use neosporin. Keep it clean and dry.

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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. You can wash the are with mild soap and water, then dry it well. You can also apply a triple antibiotic ointment to the area once clean. Do not apply a bandage to the area. It should scab over in 24-48 hours. If it doesn't, or you see any green/yellow discharge, there is swelling, or there is pain, I would take Alika to a vet to make sure there isn't an infection. Good luck and kisses to Alika!

I'm sorry to hear Hazel has a cut in her side. If it is deep, it may require stitches (difficult to tell from the picture). If it is superficial and isn't hot to the touch, swollen, painful or having discharge, make sure it is clean and dry and monitor it for the next 24 hours. If it worsens or doesn't appear to be healing or she starts licking it, then I would have Hazel evaluated by her regular veterinarian and start any treatment that may be needed.

It's a bit difficult to tell from these pictures, but it does appear deep and wide enough that it will need stitches. It's best to take him to a vet soon, because the wound will heal better the sooner it is cleaned and stitched. For now, you can flush the wound using a syringe or other dispensing device with warm water for five minutes. This may not be easy, because dogs tend to hate water getting near their face. I recommend having someone help you with holding Wish to make sure the wound gets flushed well. Infection is the biggest concern with these wounds; so after flushing, it's best to apply an antibacterial cream to the wound. Your vet will be able to advise further treatment after evaluating it. I hope that helps and Wish gets better soon.

Ideally, if the wound is fresh or recent, it should be cleaned, flushed and sutured by your veterinarian. Place an e-collar (cone) on Annie to prevent licking. She may need antibiotics and pain management which you will need to obtain from your vet.