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My dog cut his paw. How to care for an unstitched wound and healing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Male | neutered | 80 lbs

My dog cut the under side of his carpal pad in the stream Sunday evening. We cleaned it up, stopped the bleeding and have been changing the bandage once a day. He seems to be doing fine, playing and walking on it without pain and it doesn’t look infected. I probably should have taken him for stitches but it’s too late now. Is there anything else I should be doing or do these injuries take awhile to heal?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

Veterinarian

Published on July 1st, 2021

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It is too late to stitch up the wound indeed. It will have to heal by second intention, which is a slow granulation process starting from the bottom of the wound. Ideally, Dublin should have an antibiotic cream or ointment put in the wound 1-2 daily to avoid infection. Please, talk to your vet about prescribing an antibiotic for him. Also, you should make sure Dublin is not licking the wound.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 30th, 2018

    Ouch, that looks nasty. Suturing may not make it heal any faster now. If you can keep it clean and wrapped it should heal well within 3-4 weeks. Pads are notoriously slow in healing. Should any greenish/yellowish discharge appear or the pad get painful, infection may have set in and you need to take kRuka to your vet for an exam and some wound care as well as prescription medication. Put an e-collar on your dog in order to keep her from licking the wound.

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