My dog has a deep wound. Does it need stitches or home treatment?

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!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Duffy. If the wound is deep and/or long, then you need to take him into a vet immediately for stitches. If it is shallow and superficial, then you can treat it at home. I would gently clean his wound with warm water and antiseptic soap. To keep him from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on him. You can get one at a pet store or make one at home. Keep the wound clean and dry, and monitor it for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and he will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it. I hope this helps!

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 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'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.

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!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on the photo you provided, it appears as though Stitch has an abrasion that may be secondarily infected. It does not look very deep based on the photo. If you are unable to get to a veterinarian to have this looked at right away, you can use a diluted solution of betadine and saline (mixed together until you have a light brown liquid) and use this to clean the abrasion of any contaminants. Once clean, you can then use a topical cream such as Sentry Topical Wound cream (applied to the area twice daily until resolved) found at your local Petco. I would also recommend that you use a plastic cone around his head to help prevent him from rubbing his head, which would further worsen the area. If this does not improve or it worsens, I would then recommend having a veterinarian examine Stitch so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns ad I would be more than happy to help you further.