When should I call a vet for an infected wound on my dog? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your dog’s wound looks infected, you should call a vet if it’s getting worse, has discharge, smells bad, seems painful, or isn’t improving after a day or two of sensible home care. Some wounds only need careful cleaning and monitoring, but others can need prompt treatment because infection can spread or the wound may be deeper than it first appears.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the area is becoming redder, hotter, more swollen, or more painful than it was before.
2. Look for discharge, pus, bleeding that keeps restarting, or a bad smell from the wound.
3. Notice if your dog is licking, chewing, scratching, or guarding the area more than usual.
4. Check whether the wound is closing and drying up, or staying open, wet, or sticky.
5. Watch for changes in your dog’s behaviour, such as being quieter, off their food, or less willing to move.
6. Think about what happened before it appeared, such as a bite, scratch, cut, thorn, or rubbing from a harness or collar.
7. Look at the size and location of the wound, especially if it’s near a joint, eye, paw, or another area that moves a lot.
Common Causes
The most common reason is a small cut, graze, bite, or puncture that’s become contaminated with bacteria.
Wounds can also become sore or infected if your dog has kept licking them, if the skin has stayed damp, or if dirt has got into the area.
Sometimes a wound looks minor on the surface but is deeper underneath, especially after a bite, scratch, or thorn injury.
Less commonly, there may be a trapped foreign body, an irritating bandage, or another skin problem making the area slow to heal.
What To Do
Keep the wound clean and dry, and stop your dog from licking or chewing it if you can.
Check it at least once or twice a day so you can spot changes early, and note whether it’s getting better, worse, or staying the same.
If the area is dirty, you can gently rinse it with clean lukewarm water, but don’t scrub it or use harsh household products on it.
Try to keep exercise calm if movement seems to make the wound open, rub, or bleed again.
If you’re not sure how deep the wound is, or it starts to look more inflamed rather than less, it’s sensible to get veterinary advice.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the wound is spreading, very swollen, hot, or painful, if there’s pus or a strong smell, or if your dog seems unwell. You should also call sooner if the wound is a bite, puncture, near the eye or a joint, or if it’s not clearly improving within 24 to 48 hours.
Products That May Help
Keeping your dog’s coat, paws and skin area clean can be useful as part of your usual wound monitoring routine, especially when you’re trying to spot changes early.
Related Questions
How can I tell if my dog’s wound is infected?
Can I clean my dog’s wound at home?
Should I stop my dog licking an infected wound?
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.