What should I check if my dog’s wound keeps reopening? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your dog’s wound keeps reopening, check for anything that’s irritating it, stopping it from staying closed, or making your dog lick or scratch it. Common reasons include movement, rubbing, moisture, dirt, and infection, but you can’t tell the cause for certain just by looking.
What matters most is whether the wound is staying clean, protected, and as undisturbed as possible while it heals.
Things To Check
1. Check whether your dog is licking, chewing, scratching or rubbing the area, especially when you’re not watching closely.
2. Look closely for redness, swelling, heat, discharge, an unpleasant smell, or scabs that keep breaking open.
3. See whether the wound is in a place that moves a lot, such as near a joint, shoulder, neck or tail base.
4. Check whether the skin is getting wet, muddy or dirty, or whether bedding, grass or clothing is rubbing against it.
5. Make sure any bandage or covering isn’t too tight, slipping, damp, or pressing on the wound.
6. Consider whether the wound may be deeper than it first looked, or whether the edges are pulling apart when your dog moves.
7. Check your dog’s overall behaviour for signs of discomfort, such as restlessness, guarding the area or seeming more tired than usual.
Common Causes
The most common reasons are licking, scratching, movement and friction. Even a small wound can reopen if your dog keeps disturbing it or if it’s in a high-movement area.
Dirty or damp conditions can also slow healing and make the skin soften, which can lead to the wound opening again. If there’s infection, you may also notice discharge, smell, heat or swelling.
Less commonly, the wound may be deeper than it first appeared, or there may be an underlying issue such as poor healing, a bite wound, or a foreign body irritating the area.
What To Do
Keep the area clean and as dry as you reasonably can. Stop your dog from licking or scratching the wound if possible, and reduce anything that rubs the area.
Limit rough exercise if movement seems to be pulling the wound apart. Keep an eye on whether the wound is opening more often, getting wetter, or looking more inflamed over time.
If you’re cleaning it at home, be gentle and avoid using anything harsh that could irritate the skin further. A simple, steady routine is usually more helpful than frequent handling.
If the wound keeps reopening, even with sensible home care, it’s a good idea to have a vet check it.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the wound is repeatedly opening, looks infected, is getting larger, or your dog seems painful. A vet should also check it sooner if there’s bleeding that won’t settle, spreading redness, bad swelling, or if your dog won’t leave it alone.
Related Questions
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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.