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My dog has a small, non-bleeding cut from bur removal. Vet needed?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

We cut a bur out of my dog's fur with scissors and accidentally cut the skin. It is a moderately small cut and not bleeding. Should we still go to the vet?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on April 21st, 2015

If the wound is deep, ideally, your dog should be physically examined by a veterinarian. Sutures (stitches) may be needed to close the cut. If it is superficial, you may be able to manage it at home. I suggest carefully trimming (use clippers, not scissors) the hair away and cleaning the area gently with a diluted Betadine, chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) or similar antibacterial solution. Dry thoroughly afterwards. A dab of a triple antibiotic ointment can be applied to a minor wound. Place an e-collar (cone) on your dog to prevent licking. If the wound shows no signs of healing after a few days, consider an exam with your veterinarian. Monitor for lethargy, fever, vomiting, diarrhea or loss of appetite. Check the wound daily for redness, swelling, bleeding or discharge. These are all symptoms that warrant a visit to the veterinary clinic. In the future, it is always best and safest to have an experienced groomer or your veterinarian remove any burs or matting from your dog.

44Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on April 6th, 2020
It looks like a small wound.
1. If you are able, clip the hair away from the wound using buzzing-type clippers, not scissors or a razor. This is so you can monitor the wound and keep the hair out of the way to help with healing.
2. Disinfect the wound once with peroxide or a first aid chlorhexidine wound soap. Do not continue to use peroxide, or alcohol, as this will delay healing.
3. Apply an antibacterial ointment, such as Neosporin, twice daily. If needed to clean the wound, use a warm wet wash cloth to gently wipe away any dried fluid.
4. Prevent all licking or scratching of the wound by using an e-collar or dog booties or socks.
5. See a vet if your pet experiences prolonged lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rectal temperature over 103, or if there is creamy discharge or discharge with a foul odor, or there is swelling around the wound.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 26th, 2018
The problem with waiting until morning is that the wound, when older than 6 hours is considered an old wound. When it is fresh it can easily be sutured and will heal within 7-10 days. When the wound is older than 6 hours the vet may have to debride it more in order to be able to safely suture it or it will have to heal by second intention, ie without stitches from the inside out which will take longer. If the wound is bleeding I suggest you put a light bandage on it (loosely), otherwise do not bandage it and you also should not put any ointment or medication on the wound. Just leave it as it is. You can cut the hair around it off so no hair will get stuck to the wound.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog has a clean cut. Does she need stitches or emergency vet?

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.

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My dog has a small wound with blood. How can I treat it at home?

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My dog has a deep accidental cut. Should I take him to the vet?

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.

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My dog got a cut at the groomer's. What should I put on the wound?

Thank you so much for giving us more detail. Of course, we can't tell for sure, but that looks like a small tear or cut which could have happened from a kennel edge, scissors, clippers, or a sharp edge of a table, etc. I would expect more tearing or bruising if it was a dog bite. The wound looks clean, but I would still recommend an antibacterial cleaner/wash since there is likely bacterial from the skin that has gotten into the wound. Most of the time, that is all we recommend for small wounds like that because they will heal well as long as they are kept clean and protected. Depending on where the wound is, you may need to use an e-collar or shirt to keep it protected and keep Sonny from licking at it since that may cause it to get infected. If at any point the wound is red, swollen or oozing a yellow or green discharge, I would recommend having your veterinarian examine it. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and Sonny heals quickly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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How to clean my dog's minor cut from the woods to prevent infection?

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