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
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](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-wound-and-skin-care-for-dogs). Dry thoroughly afterwards. A dab of a triple antibiotic ointment can be applied to a minor wound. Place an [e-collar](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/well-and-good-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](https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-common-signs-your-pet-has-a-fever), [vomiting](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/vomiting-1/), [diarrhea](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/diarrhea-1/) 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](https://www.petcoach.co/article/heres-why-you-need-a-professional-groomer) or your veterinarian remove any burs or matting from your dog.
44Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
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
-
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
I’m unsure if I need to bring her into the emergency vet for stitches. Clean cut a little over an inch long.
My mother was trimming my dog's hair and accidentally cut him with scissors. The cut looks deep to e but he is not bleeding. What should I do? Bring him to a vet or dress the wound myself? The wound is triangular and flaps open at the top.
The dogs were rough-housing a bit to hard and his tooth/claw [not sure which] broke skin on her head. It bled for maybe 5 minutes and now only bleeds when she starts rolling around. It doesn't seem to bug her, and she lets me clean it without any p
Max went outside like usual but yesterday he came home home real late and I did not think of it but today I say some of his fur stuck as if glued togather in his rear end it was not that much fur. I kept investigating and found it was blood. I search
My dogs got into a fight over a toy and my male cut my female dog Lucky's nose. (They very rarely fight and are currently cuddled up with each other.) Lucky's nose is cute at the slit near her right nostril. I stopped the initial bleeding and cleaned
I was removing a knot in wish’s hair behind his hair when I accidentally cut his skin. The cut is about 3/4 of an inch in length and about 2 mm deep. I only noticed it 13-14 hours later. He doesn’t seem to be in pain. There is little to no bleeding.
My dog went to Petco for grooming and returned with this bite. Petco of course denies they did anything. I'm starting to believe either it's a bug bite or some type of needle stick. What can I put on my dog?
My dog Daisy she has got a big bug on her neck area but while removing that blood comes out and a small wound is opened what can I do to prevent wound
My dog Bear came in from outside and had her wrist cut open just the top skin. Should i have her seen?
Hi my dog just came back with a nasty cut on his inside leg 1" long and quite deep)... I will take him to the vets tomorrow morning (12.15 at night here) but is there any antiseptic cream i can put on it? I presume it will need stitches... hes a very
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
