When should I call the vet about a wound that is not closing? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your dog’s wound isn’t closing, contact your vet if it’s getting larger, looks more inflamed, is oozing, smells unpleasant, or your dog seems sore, tired or off their food. Small wounds can sometimes take a little time to settle, but a wound that stays open or keeps reopening should be checked.
There are several possible reasons, including rubbing, licking, contamination, poor circulation in the area or a deeper wound than it first appeared. You usually can’t tell the full cause just by looking, so it’s sensible to monitor it closely and get advice if it’s not clearly improving.
Things To Check
1. Check how long the wound has been open and whether it has actually been changing day by day.
2. Look for redness, swelling, heat, discharge, bleeding or a bad smell.
3. See whether your dog is licking, chewing or scratching at it.
4. Notice if the wound keeps reopening after exercise, walks, grooming or outdoor time.
5. Check whether the wound is in a high-movement area, such as a leg, paw, chest or around a joint.
6. Watch for signs your dog is uncomfortable, more quiet than usual, or not wanting to be touched near the area.
7. Think about whether there could have been a bite, thorn, cut, scrape or trapped debris involved.
8. Check whether your dog has any health issues that might make healing slower, such as skin problems or ongoing illness.
Common Causes
The most common reason is ongoing irritation from licking, rubbing or movement, which can stop the skin edges from settling together. Minor contamination, dirt or trapped debris can also slow things down.
Some wounds are simply more awkward to heal because of their location, especially near joints, on the paws or in places that get wet or dirty easily. Deeper wounds, punctures and bite wounds can also look small on the surface while healing less well underneath.
Less commonly, a wound may be healing slowly because of infection, poor blood supply in the area or an underlying health problem that affects skin repair.
What To Do
Keep the area as clean and dry as you can, and stop your dog from licking or chewing it if possible. Limit rough play, swimming and muddy walks until you know it’s settling.
Check the wound once or twice a day so you can tell whether it’s improving, staying the same or getting worse. If the skin looks more inflamed, starts to ooze or your dog seems uncomfortable, speak to your vet rather than waiting it out.
Try to avoid putting human creams, powders or home remedies on it unless your vet has told you to. If the wound is open, deep, swollen, painful, or not improving after a short period of close monitoring, it’s best to get veterinary advice.
When To Contact A Vet
Call your vet promptly if the wound is getting bigger, deeper or more painful, if there’s pus, a smell, swelling or heat, or if your dog seems unwell. You should also contact your vet if the wound keeps reopening, is on a paw or joint, was caused by a bite, or hasn’t clearly improved within a couple of days.
If your dog is lethargic, off food, very sore, or the wound is bleeding heavily, seek veterinary advice without delay.
Products That May Help
For dogs with minor skin and coat concerns, a simple grooming and hygiene routine can help you keep an eye on the area and make cleaning a bit easier at home.
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.