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My dog's paw cut is swollen. Does it need stitches or a vet visit?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 7 years and 3 months old | 50 lbs

My dog has a cut on her paw. We have been applying bacitracin and wrapping in gauze and she has been wearing a cone to keep her from licking her paw. This morning, it looks as though the wound is swollen. Does she need stitches? She does not appear to be in any pain and walks on her paw just fine. No loss of appetite.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 19th, 2017

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!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on June 9th, 2017
You will need to monitor it during the weekend, i would recommend to put an e-collar around his neck to prevent him from licking instead of bandaging it, if by Monday it is still swollen and inflamed i would recommend taking Dilla to the vet in order to have it treated.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 10th, 2017
You can clean the area with soap and water and apply Neosporin to help keep it clean. Since she is limping and it is swollen, she may need to go to the vet for antibiotics and pain medicines to make sure it does not get infected.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Emily, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 2nd, 2017
It sounds like from the swelling that the paw could be infected. It sounds like you have done everything you can do at home and Monty needs to be checked out by his veterinarian. He may need an x-ray to make sure nothing is going on with the bone or he may just need antibiotics from your veterinarian. Do not give him any human medication as it could be toxic to dogs. You should continue to keep the site clean and dry until your veterinarian can do an exam.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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