My dog's paw is cut. Can I treat it at home or does she need stitches?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 1 year and 3 months old | 41 lbs
Dog hurt herself on the left paw, right where her shoulder bend is. Does this need stitches or can I treat it at home?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 10th, 2020
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. You can wash the are with mild soap and water, then dry it well. You can also apply a triple antibiotic ointment to the area once clean. Do not apply a bandage to the area. It should scab over in 24-48 hours. If it doesn't, or you see any green/yellow discharge, there is swelling, or there is pain, I would take Alika to a vet to make sure there isn't an infection. Good luck and kisses to Alika!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on April 14th, 2017
I would wash it with some antiseptic soap and keep an eye on Max's claw. If it is broken, it may need to be cut off, which you can do yourself or have a vet do if it's very painful to him. Keep it bandaged to make sure it stays clean, and if you see any signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, pus), then he will need to see a vet for antibiotics.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on March 13th, 2017
As long as Sunny's cut isn't deep or long, you can care for it yourself. If it is deep and/or long, then he will have to see a vet because he will need stitches to close it. Wash the cut in warm water and antiseptic soap, and then you can bandage it to keep it clean and dry. Don't put it on too tightly. You will likely have to put an Ecollar on Sunny to keep him from chewing at it, and you can make one yourself or buy one at a pet store. Monitor the cut for signs of infection, which include redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, and pus. Should you see any of those signs, have Sunny seen by a vet as he will need antibiotics.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on September 15th, 2020
Poor Mario! I would gently clean his wound with warm water and antiseptic soap. To keep him from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on him. You can get one at a pet store or make one at home. Keep the wound clean and dry, and monitor it for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and he will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
We toke our dog a walk yesterday and something in the field has sliced his paw, do you think this will need stitched or will it heal on it's own.
Hello, Max has cut his paw on a glass while running, he is stepping on it but not very confident and he it seems that he is bothered. Can you tell us what can we do about it before go to a vet?
what is this. how can i treat it. is it urgent care.
My dog has a cut on her paw. We have been applying bacitracin and wrapping in gauze and she has been wearing a cone to keep her from licking her paw. This morning, it looks as though the wound is swollen. Does she need stitches? She does not appear t
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 infe
My dog cut himself by his paw. Hes not bleeding crying or limping. Will this heal on its own?
My akita unfortunately has gashed her front paw on a piece of metal, I have been putting iodine, peroxide and trying to keep a bandage on it, but I am getting worried. What do u recommend im really getting worried
My dog was just playing outside and when he came inside, he was bleeding. He seems to have scratched off part of one of his toe pads. Should I bring him into a vet's office or how do I bandage it. It has stopped bleeding but I am still worried.
My dog cut her paw about 1,5 ago. It’s a pretty deep cut. We put bandage on her paw and are keeping it clean. We treat the wound with betadine plus neosporin. The wound seem to heal slowly but is still open. Will this heal or do we need to get her to
Hi my dog got bit by another dog 4 days ago on his upper paw which left a open wound. He is walking on it and acting normal but was wondering if he need stiches. The vet gave him antibiotics and pain killers on the day.
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
