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Dog's tail caught in car door: When to see vet or treat at home?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Anatolian Shepherd | Female | spayed | 4 years and 9 months old

So I accidentally closed the tip of my dogs tail in the car door. The bleeding has completely stopped and she is no longer messing with it. There is no obvious bone damage and it does not seem to be broken. It's a pretty decent boo boo but I'd like to avoid the vet. Is there an emergency to take her in the morning or can this be treated with at home care?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Kevin Sanada, DVM

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 14th, 2018

It's difficult to tell how bad this is, because there is a lot of hair in the way. If it's really deep or wide, then it's best to have a vet evaluate it for possible stitches. It's best to have the wound seen sooner rather than later, because the wound can become contaminated if left for too long. It's not an emergency, but if you think it looks like a deep or wide wound, then most vet offices open around 7-8AM and usually have drop-off appointments for these sorts of things.

Here's what to do in the meantime:

1) Clip the hair (if possible) around the area and expose all of the sore skin.
2) Wash/spray the area with just cool, clean water (no soap or other antiseptics) for at least 5 minutes at a time. Do this at least once a day.
3) Bandage the wound with gauze and apply an over-the-counter antibacterial cream (i.e Neosporin) to the wound.

Keeping it covered and keeping Matilda from licking it will be the most difficult part of the treatment. You can help keep the bandage on by placing a good (really sticky) tape below the bandage. You can find sprays in the pet store, like bitter apple, that are meant to deter licking. This can be sprayed on the bandage (not the wound) to help keep Matilda from chewing it off.

NOTE: Be careful not to bandage too tight or it can cut-off the circulation. If you notice that the end of the tail starts to swell, then remove the bandage and leave it off until the swelling goes down.

I hope that helps and Matilda gets better soon.
Vote Icon3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 12th, 2018

    I am so sorry to hear about Dodge. If he hasn't seen the vet at all yet and your vet can't get you in for two weeks I think you need to take him in elsewhere or to the emergency clinic in your area. I don't think it is a true emergency but I don't think waiting two weeks would be a good idea. I worry that Dodge is in pain and this is why he is going after the tail, or that he could get an infection. In some cases, you may need a vet to apply a bandage with more secure bandage material and also place an e-collar on him. The vet's office is very experienced in bandaging and has more advanced bandaging materials available so may be able to place a more secure bandage if they decide one is needed. Or he may need a longer e-collar. He may need pain medication and antibiotics until this wound heals as well.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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