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My dog's deep paw cut is open. Will it heal or need stitches?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 5 years and 6 months old | 40 lbs

My dog cut her paw about 1,5 ago. It’s a pretty deep cut. We put bandage on her paw and are keeping it clean. We treat the wound with betadine plus neosporin. The wound seem to heal slowly but is still open. Will this heal or do we need to get her to the vet for stitches. We have no pet insurance.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 22nd, 2020

Hello. Wounds like this can indeed take a long time to heal, but everything looks pretty good. You have been doing a great job. This could still be stitched, but it will eventually heal if you keep it clean, medicated & bandaged. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Tomasz Wnuk
Veterinarian
Published on May 9th, 2020
Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The wound will heal much quicker when is stitched up. If it is left without stitches, it will be prone to keep bleeding when your dog is walking and it could easily get infected.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on July 28th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It does not appear to be healing as well and I think he would likely benefit from having stitches to close the wound. However, this is something that is usually decided based on a closer examination. I recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a great day!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on September 11th, 2017
Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to know for sure just based on pictures though from what I can see, it seems like it is already starting to heal on its own by second intention and it does not seem to need stitches. This is further supported by the fact that your veterinarian was able to see it up close and did not think that stitches were necessary. If at any point you see any discharge or bleeding from it, have re-evaluated by your veterinarian. Otherwise, this is likely going to be healed in the next 10-14 days. Have a nice day and good luck with your pup!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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