My dog has a deep, bleeding cut and is limping. Does he need stitches?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I agree with you, this wound does look deep enough that it would require stitches. Further local therapy wound include flushing, debriding and sutures and antibiotics would be recommended as well. I recommend that you have Maverick evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Usually these wounds are treatable and respond well to appropriate management. Your veterinarian would also be able to prescribe medications for pain as he is likely experiencing pain to some extent. Good luck and have a good night!

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!

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.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From what I can see in the photo, Abby does have a small cut on her paw pad that is bleeding but is pretty superficial and does not have any discharge. It is unlikely to require stitches, but may be infected due to the redness surrounding it. You did the right thing by preventing Abby from licking the area but I recommend having the cut evaluated by a vet to determine if oral antibiotics are needed. I hope this helps and that Abby gets well soon!

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!

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.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Thor! Based on your picture, I think Thor needs stitches. It will heal faster and with a less chance for infection if you take him to the Vet. If you absolutely can not take him, the fur should be shaved away, the wound cleaned with a mild soap and water twice daily and a triple antibiotic applied twice daily after cleaning. He would need to wear an E-collar to prevent licking or a T-shirt. You can also call your local SPCA and see if they have a low cost Veterinary Clinic. I hope this helps and I wish Thor a speedy recovery!