My dog's ear is split from a cat scratch. Does it need stitches?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 6 months and 4 days old | 13 lbs
Hello, my cat scratched my dog's ear and it split in the thin skin of the pocket thing on the side of her ear. The bleeding stopped pretty quickly, but since the skin is still apart, I am not sure if she needs stitches or not?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 5th, 2019
Oh my goodness! Poor Maggie! No, I don't think it needs stitches. It should heal just fine. Try to just leave it alone. The ear is very vascular and tends to bleed a lot and very easily; so if you disturb it, it may start up again. You are actually lucky the bleeding stopped so quickly! Hope this helps. Best wishes.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on December 26th, 2017
It is honestly best to leave this alone. It will heal just fine on it's own. Ears are very vascular (lots of blood supply) so the more you mess with it the more likely it is to bleed. If it keeps bleeding it will not heal. Just leave it alone. If she is trying to scratch it you will need to get her a cone to wear until the ear is completely healed. https://www.petco.com/category/dog/dog-health-and-wellness/dog-first-aid/dog-recovery-cones Hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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