Whether it’s a playful mishap, a run-in with another animal, or an accident outdoors, cuts and wounds are common in pets. But how do you know if your pet’s laceration is minor—or something that needs urgent medical attention?
At Unleashed Veterinary Urgent Care, we see a lot of pets with cuts, scrapes, and bites, and some wounds need more than just a little at-home care. Here’s what you should know about pet lacerations, treatment, and when to come see us.
Signs a Laceration Needs Veterinary Attention
Some small scrapes and minor wounds may heal on their own, but deeper cuts or contaminated wounds require medical treatment. Bring your pet to us if you notice:
🚑 Deep or gaping wounds – If you can see muscle, fat, or other tissue beneath the skin, stitches or surgical repair are needed.
🚑 Excessive bleeding – If a wound continues bleeding after applying pressure for a few minutes, urgent care is required.
🚑 Jagged or torn edges – These wounds may not heal properly without stitches.
🚑 Signs of infection – Redness, swelling, heat, pus, or a foul smell indicate a possible infection.
🚑 Bite wounds – Even small punctures from another animal’s teeth can introduce dangerous bacteria and cause abscesses.
🚑 Limping or pain near the wound – If your pet is avoiding using a limb or reacting painfully to touch, they may have deeper tissue damage.
🚑 Wounds near the eyes, mouth, or joints – These areas are delicate and prone to complications if left untreated.
What to Do If Your Pet Has a Laceration
✔ Apply gentle pressure – Use a clean cloth or gauze to stop bleeding.
✔ Avoid Hydrogren peroxide or alcohol, as they can damage healthy tissue.
✔ Prevent licking – Use an e-collar or cover the wound to keep your pet from making it worse.
✔ Head to Unleashed Veterinary Urgent Care – The sooner a deep wound is treated, the better the outcome.
How We Treat Lacerations at Unleashed Veterinary Urgent Care
When your pet arrives at our clinic, we’ll assess the wound and determine the best treatment plan. Depending on the severity, we may:
🩺 Examine & Clean the Wound – We’ll check for debris, contamination, or underlying damage.
💉 Administer Pain Relief & Sedation – Some pets need light sedation to keep them comfortable during the procedure.
🪡 Suture or Staple the Wound – If needed, we’ll carefully close the wound to ensure proper healing.
🦠 Prescribe Antibiotics – Bite wounds and deep lacerations are at high risk for infection, so antibiotics may be necessary.
📅 Provide Aftercare Instructions – We’ll send you home with guidance on keeping the wound clean and ensuring a smooth recovery.
Preventing Wound Complications
After your pet’s laceration is treated, follow these tips for a quick recovery:
✔ Keep the wound clean and dry.
✔ Prevent licking with an e-collar or bandage (as recommended).
✔ Monitor for swelling, redness, or discharge—signs of infection.
✔ Follow up if stitches or staples need to be removed (typically in 10-14 days).
Need Immediate Care? We’re Here for You!
If your pet has a deep cut, bite wound, or excessive bleeding, don’t wait—bring them to Unleashed Veterinary Urgent Care. Our team is ready to treat wounds quickly and effectively, so your pet can heal comfortably.
🏥 Call us or walk in—we’re here when your pet needs us!