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Dog has a deep leg gash, not bleeding. How to care for it tonight?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 9 years and 4 months old | 60 lbs

I have just noticed that My dog has a Gash on her leg, possibly caused by another dog. It's not bleeding but is deep. Should I try and bandage it for the night, we will take her to the bet in the morning.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on December 21st, 2016

I suggest washing it with antibacterial soap and warm water and try flushing it with iodine diluted in warm water, a syringe or turkey baster will work for this. Clean it up as best you can and wrap it with telfa pad over the wound itself, so nothing sticks to it, then some gauze (or a clean washcloth if you don't have gauze) and tape over that to hold it in place. Be careful not to put the tape on too tightly, otherwise you can restrict the circulation to the foot and make it swell. Then get her in to see your vet as soon as possible for evaluation and wound care.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on

    Poor Bella! If it isn't actively bleeding, I would not put a bandage on it since bandages often do more harm than good if they are too tight or too loose. If you aren't able to take her to the vet until morning, you can clean the gash with warm water and antibacterial soap, and keep Bella confined to a crate or other small area tonight so that she can't move around much since this may aggravate the wound.

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