Cuts and Scratches

Treatment depends on how large and how deep the cut or scratch is. The dog's skin does not usually bleed profusely, and it is easy to miss even quite a large cut because there may be very little bleeding and the dog's fur covers the site.

If there is any sign of blood on the dog, look carefully and once you have located the cut, clip sufficient hair around it to expose the wound. If the cut looks deep, or longer than about a centimetre (1/2 in), it will need attention and, probably, a stitch or two at the veterinary surgery.

If you decide to take the dog to the vet, do nothing with the wound, unless it is bleeding profusely. The nurse is likely to take longer cleaning your dressing off the wound than the stitching itself will take.

A minor cut, or a scratch that does not penetrate the skin, will usually need very little treatment. Soothing cream will be sufficient, and even that may do more to prolong healing than to help, by bringing the attention of the dog to the wound.

Similarly, a small cut needs no particular attention once you have trimmed the hair away, other than to keep the wound clean with a mild antiseptic solution, and to keep an eye open for any swelling. Swelling may indicate that an infection has set in.