Wounds in dogs and cats: first aid, treatment and recovery
Summary
Wounds in dogs and cats range from superficial grazes to deep cuts, punctures and injuries beneath the skin. Treatment depends on the cause, location and extent of the damage.
A small mark does not always mean a minor injury. Bites, punctures and crushing injuries can damage deeper tissues despite leaving little visible damage.
Seek emergency veterinary care for heavy or uncontrolled bleeding, breathing difficulty, collapse, pale gums or severe trauma. For other wounds, contact your vet for advice about assessment and safe care.
What types of wounds can dogs and cats get?
A wound is damage to the skin or underlying tissues. Common examples include:
- Cuts and tears: injuries caused by sharp objects, fences or other trauma.
- Grazes: damage to the surface layers of skin.
- Punctures: small openings caused by teeth or sharp objects, which may extend deep beneath the skin.
- Bruising and crushing injuries: damage that may occur without an obvious break in the skin.
- Burns and pressure sores: injuries that need care suited to their particular cause.
Some wounds can be closed after cleaning and assessment. Others need to remain open while damaged tissue or infection is treated.
A wound is damaged tissue, such as a cut, bruise, tear, burn or break on the skin surface or deeper within the body. Wounds in dogs and cats are generally caused by hard or sharp objects, vehicles or other animals. A wound may be open (e.g. a tear or puncture) or closed (e.g. a bruise). While some wounds are very visible, others, such as puncture wounds caused by sharp teeth, may be hidden by fur, which can make them difficult to detect.
What about bite wounds?
Animal bites can introduce bacteria beneath the skin and cause damage that is difficult to judge from the surface. Any bite that breaks the skin needs prompt veterinary assessment.
Read our guide to bite wounds in dogs and cats for more information about these injuries.
When does a wound need urgent veterinary attention?
Go to an emergency veterinary hospital if your pet has:
- Heavy bleeding or bleeding that cannot be controlled with direct pressure.
- Difficulty breathing, collapse, marked weakness or pale or blue gums.
- Severe pain or an inability to stand or walk after an injury.
- A large, deep or extensively torn wound.
- An injury following a vehicle accident or being picked up and shaken by a larger animal.
Significant internal damage can accompany an external wound. Do not delay emergency care to clean or bandage the injury.
Contact your vet promptly for bites, punctures, burns, eye injuries, embedded objects, dirty wounds or suspected infection. If you cannot tell how deep a wound is, ask your vet rather than assuming it is superficial.
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What first aid can I give my pet?
Keep yourself and your pet safe
Approach carefully. A frightened or painful pet may bite or scratch, even if they are usually gentle. Avoid forcing an examination if your pet resists.
Keep your pet as calm as possible and contact your vet for instructions.
Control bleeding
Hold clean gauze or a clean cloth firmly over the bleeding area. Maintain steady pressure rather than repeatedly lifting it to check, which can disturb a forming clot.
For heavy bleeding, call the vet immediately while continuing pressure if it is safe to do so. Move your pet carefully and avoid unnecessary handling of the injury.
Clean only when appropriate
For a minor, superficial graze, your vet may recommend gently rinsing with sterile saline or clean water.
Do not probe punctures, scrub deep wounds or attempt to remove embedded objects. Seek veterinary instructions for protecting the injury during transport.
Avoid hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, tea tree oil, soaps and other wound products unless your vet specifically recommends them. Do not attempt to glue a wound closed.
Applying a bandage incorrectly can restrict circulation or cause further injury. Unless you have been shown how, use a clean pad held in place for bleeding control and ask your vet about further protection. VCA: Wound care dos and don’ts
How can I tell if a wound is infected?
Possible signs include:
- Increasing redness, heat or swelling.
- Worsening pain or sensitivity.
- Pus, an unpleasant smell or other concerning discharge.
- A swollen lump that develops beneath the skin.
- Reduced appetite, lethargy or your pet seeming generally unwell.
Contact your vet if these signs develop. A bite puncture can close over while infection develops underneath, sometimes forming an abscess.
Prevent licking, chewing and scratching, which can introduce bacteria and further damage the area.
How will the vet assess the wound?
Your vet will assess your pet’s overall condition as well as the wound itself. After significant trauma, stabilising breathing and circulation takes priority.
They will consider the injury’s cause, location, contamination and tissue damage. Examination may involve clipping the surrounding fur and providing pain relief or sedation so the area can be assessed properly.
The findings determine whether further investigation, cleaning, removal of damaged tissue or wound closure is appropriate.
How are wounds treated?
Treatment is tailored to the injury and may include:
- Cleaning and flushing to remove dirt and contamination.
- Debridement: removal of dead or damaged tissue.
- Pain relief and, where indicated, antibiotics.
- Closure with stitches, staples or veterinary tissue adhesive.
- Open wound management with appropriate dressings and repeat checks.
- A temporary drain where fluid needs to escape.
A wound is not always stitched immediately. Infection, contamination or missing skin may make immediate closure unsuitable. Some wounds are closed later; others heal gradually while remaining open under veterinary supervision.
More extensive injuries may need reconstructive surgery.
How should I care for my pet’s wound at home?
Follow the instructions for your pet’s particular wound. Care for a stitched incision can differ from care for an open wound or a wound with a drain.
Give prescribed medicines as directed and prevent licking or chewing, usually with a properly fitted protective collar. Clean the area only as instructed and attend scheduled rechecks.
If stitches separate or you notice concerning discharge, contact your vet. Do not pick scabs, remove stitches or interfere with a drain yourself.
Looking after a bandage
Keep a veterinary bandage clean and dry and check it at least daily.
Contact your vet if it becomes wet, slips, smells, is damaged or causes rubbing. Swelling around the bandage or increased discomfort also needs attention.
Bandages need changing at the intervals your vet recommends. Do not tighten or reapply one yourself unless the veterinary team has taught you how.
How long do wounds take to heal?
There is no single healing time for every wound. Recovery depends on its depth, size, location, infection status and your pet’s overall health.
An uncomplicated wound may progress more quickly than one involving extensive tissue damage or infection. Your vet can explain the expected course and when stitches, drains or dressings need attention.
A wound that looks worse, becomes more painful or stops progressing should be reassessed.
Prompt assessment, appropriate treatment and careful follow-up support wound healing. If you are unsure how serious an injury is or how to care for it, contact your veterinary team.
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Sources:
“Wound Management”, Merck Veterinary Manual, updated December 2025. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/special-pet-topics/emergencies/wound-management. Accessed 22 October 2026.
“Initial Wound Management in Small Animals”, Merck Veterinary Manual, updated September 2024. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/emergency-medicine-and-critical-care/wound-management-in-small-animals/initial-wound-management-in-small-animals. Accessed 22 October 2026.
“Wounds and skin injuries”, PDSA. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/symptoms/wounds-and-skin-injuries. Accessed 22 October 2026.
“First aid for bleeding”, PDSA. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/medications/first-aid-for-bleeding. Accessed 22 October 2026.
“Wound care dos and don’ts”, VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/resources/conditions-dog/emergency/wound-care-dos-and-don-ts. Accessed 22 October 2026.
“Care of Open Wounds in Dogs”, VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/care-of-open-wounds-in-dogs. Accessed 22 October 2026.
“Bandage care for pets”, PDSA. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/other-veterinary-advice/bandage-care-for-pets. Accessed 22 October 2026.
“Lacerations and Abrasions”, VCA Animal Hospitals Urgent Care. https://vcahospitals.com/urgent-care/health-concerns/lacerations-and-abrasions. Accessed 22 October 2026.
“Discover our Nose-to-Tail Cover”, Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance. https://bowwowinsurance.com.au/cover-options/. Accessed 22 October 2026.
