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My dog's lip cut: Should I go to the vet or will it heal alone?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Blue Heeler | Male | unneutered | 45 lbs

Dogs lip got cut when we were playing with the frisbee. Not sure if he needs to go to the vet or not. Not bleeding much but a bit. Not sure if it’ll heal alone though. Thanks a ton for the help

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 23rd, 2019

Thank you for contact Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Jax. Poor boy! That's a pretty small cut, and I would clean it with warm water and antiseptic soap. This should heal without problem, and I would keep an eye on 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!

4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on February 5th, 2020
I'm not so sure that's a scratch. That looks more like an infection or a puncture wound. Minor scratches should heal on dogs in about the same time they do for humans, about 7-14 days. Also, you should only clean it once a day for the first 2-3 days and then you should not clean it again unless it gets dirty. Excessive cleaning can actually disrupt the new cells that are trying to grow.
This lesions looks puffy and swollen from the photo. I recommend to play ti safe and have Xiqui examined by the veterinarian. Make sure she is wearing an elizabethan collar at all times to prevent scratching or rubbing. I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on December 7th, 2017
It looks like a very minor wound, nothing that should cause him any problems, because of the location there is no point to put anything topical as he will lick it instantly, just monitor it for a few days until it heals completely on it's own.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on November 6th, 2016
Poor Bo! If the wound is only about 1/4" long and not actively bleeding, it will probably heal fine on its own. You can clean it with warm water and antibacterial soap, and keep it clean for the next 10-14 days while it heals. If it becomes red or swollen, or if you see pus or other drainage from the wound, then I would recommend having it checked by a vet as he may need an oral antibiotic for infection.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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