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My dog has a cut. Does he need stitches or can it heal on its own?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dalmatian | Male | 3 years and 5 months old | 100 lbs

Does he need to get stitches??

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on March 6th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Zeus!

Ideally I think he does need stitches. Sometimes the Vet can out stitches or staples in awake with local anesthesia like lidocaine. Either way, a Vet should examine the wound and provide antibiotics. It is a small wound and wouldn't take long to close with stitches.

I hope this helps and I wish Zeus a speedy recovery!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on October 5th, 2019
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. Ye, I do think it needs stitches, and I do not recommend you do this yourself. It's painful for the dog without sedation, and there are no OTC sedatives you can give him. Just because you have human experience does not mean you can suture up a dog, please remember it's an entirely different species. Just because I can suture up animals does not mean I would do it to my child if they needed stitches, I would take them into a doctor. Please do that. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Debi Matlack
Veterinary Technician
Published on June 4th, 2019
That looks like it could use some sutures to close it. It doesn't appear too deep, mainly in the skin, but leaving a wound open, even with frequent bandage changes, increases the risk of infection. I recommend getting your vet to have a look and do some wound care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on August 2nd, 2019
Poor Chase! That laceration needs stitches. She also needs to wear an elizabethan collar at all times to prevent licking. Have her examined today. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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