What should I check if my dog has multiple small cuts on its body? | arlo.® Atlas
Share This Guide
Read time: 3 minutes
Overview
If your dog has multiple small cuts, the first things to check are how recent they look, whether they’re still bleeding, and whether the skin around them is red, swollen, hot or sore. Small cuts can happen for simple reasons like rough ground, brambles, scratching, clipping, or rubbing, but repeated cuts can also mean your dog has been in an area with sharp edges or is irritating the skin.
Things To Check
1. Check where the cuts are. If they’re on the legs, belly, face or paws, that can give clues about whether they came from walking, digging, rubbing or grooming.
2. Look at how many there are and whether they’re all in one area or spread across the body. A cluster in one place may suggest contact with something sharp or scratchy.
3. Check whether any cuts are still bleeding, open or deeper than they first looked. Even small cuts can need closer watching if they’re not closing up.
4. Look for redness, swelling, heat, discharge, a bad smell or scabs that are getting wetter rather than drier.
5. Notice if your dog is licking, biting, scratching or rubbing the area. Ongoing irritation can make minor cuts last longer or worsen.
6. Think about what happened before you noticed them, such as a walk through long grass, playing in brambles, grooming, clipping or time in a new environment.
7. Check for anything trapped in the coat, including twigs, seeds, grass awns, mud or loose hair that could be rubbing the skin.
8. Watch your dog’s general behaviour. If they seem painful, tired, off food, or reluctant to be touched, that matters too.
Common Causes
The most common causes are minor scrapes from rough ground, bushes, fences, or play. Grooming, clipping or matting can also leave small surface cuts, especially on sensitive skin.
Another common cause is scratching or rubbing. Dogs may do this because of irritation, dirt in the coat, dry skin, or an itch from something in the environment.
Less commonly, multiple small cuts can come from bites, self-trauma, or skin irritation that’s made worse by repeated licking or scratching. If the cuts appeared suddenly and you can’t explain them, it’s worth keeping a close eye on them.
What To Do
Keep the area clean and dry, and stop your dog from licking or rubbing the cuts if you can. If the coat is dirty, gently remove loose debris so you can see the skin properly.
Monitor the cuts for the next 24 to 48 hours. Small surface cuts often improve with simple care, but they should not be getting redder, wetter or more uncomfortable.
Try to avoid rough ground, long grass and anything else that may be rubbing the skin until you know the cuts are settling. If grooming caused the issue, be more cautious next time and check the skin afterwards.
If the cuts are in a spot that’s hard to keep clean, or if your dog keeps worrying them, it may help to manage the environment and reduce friction while the skin settles.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the cuts are deep, keep bleeding, are spreading, or if the skin looks swollen, hot, very red or painful. You should also get advice if your dog seems unwell, the cuts are not improving after a day or two, or you’re not sure what caused them.
Related Questions
Should I clean my dog’s small cuts at home?
Why does my dog keep getting little cuts after walks?
How do I know if a cut on my dog needs a vet?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.