Wounded Puppy: How to Care for a Dog with a Nasty Cut

When you have a wounded puppy, both of you may feel panicked. Since your dog cannot understand the need to provide first aid, you may need to employ several strategies in order to assess the wound and care for your pup.

These four tips will help to ensure that your dog’s medical needs are properly taken care of for optimal healing of a cut.

Wounded Puppy: How to Care for a Dog with a Nasty Cut

Assess the Cut

Try to assess the cut on your dog.

If the cut is bleeding, wrap a towel around it and apply pressure.

If your dog will not cooperate or acts aggressively toward you, go to the pet clinic.

A cut that continues to bleed after five minutes may require stitches.

Look to see if there is any dirt in the cut.

Do not try to remove the dirt.

This is a job for the vet.

How to Treat a Minor Cut

A cut that stops bleeding and is clean may be treatable at home.

You may still wish to contact your vet for guidance.

Many vets will recommend a clip and clean procedure.

Use electric hair clippers to remove some of your dog’s fur from around the cut.

Apply an antiseptic wound cleaner from your first aid kit.

Pat the cut dry.

Spread a thin layer of KY jelly over the cut.

A minor cut doesn’t need a covering.

Visit a Pet Clinic

If your dog’s cut has debris in it, you should visit a vet.

Vet clinics, like the Seattle Emergency Veterinary Hospital, has specialty equipment to clean the wound and prevent infection.

If your dog was hit by a car or attacked by another animal, go to the pet clinic immediately.

In these situations, your dog may have internal injuries that require prompt attention.

Once your dog’s health is assessed and critical injuries are cared for, the vet can attend to the cuts.

Monitor Healing

Check your dog’s wound once per day to check for signs of infection.

These signs include redness, swelling, the weeping of pus, and tenderness.

If your dog’s behavior or appetite changes, these are signs that it is time to go back to the vet.

The normal healing process should be complete within one to two weeks for most cuts.

With proper care, your dog’s cut should heal quickly and completely.

If you notice any complications, such as swelling, or redness, or if your dog is excessively licking the area, contact your vet.

You and your vet will be your dog’s care team to ensure a complete recovery.