My dog did this an I wonder if I need stitches?

Question

abc3643 · Accepted Answer

Probably not.
I am a similar injury over the summer and it is completely healed. I did not need stitches BUT you should get some antiseptic ointment and some bandages. This injury will be obvious for a month but don't freak out. You will be fine.

However, consider seeing a physician anyway since he or she will prescribe and antibiotic which you should take.

BUT, when you see the physician, be careful about what you say.

A physician is going to ask how this happened. The moment you say "my dog", that will likely trigger a line of questions about the dog...
Is the dog vaccinated against rabies?
Did the dog attack you?
etc.
If your dog attacked you and is unvaccinated, there is a chance it will be taken from you and put down.

When this happened to me, I was breaking up a big fight between two of my dogs. I was clear about this and said I thrust my hand into the one dog's mouth as part of breaking up the fight. I hadn't even noticed I was injured until I saw blood on my pants and then my fingertip. My wife was out of town, so I had to quickly drive to emergency services. Anyway, I was CLEAR that neither dog attacked me and ALL of my dogs are completely vaccinated against everything. I said my injury was my fault by thrusting myself into the fight to break it up so that my injury was "collateral damage", so to speak. I needed him to fully and clearly understand that neither of those two dogs were needing to be put down.

smne35 · Accepted Answer

Wouldn't hurt to get stitches though is not that deep you can try putting neosporin, y to prevent infection and get some bandaid, they're small and are for purpose of closing the wound faster can put some vitamin E oil to help with scaring once the wound is closed you can but not necessary get some aloe vera gel from a real aloe vera plant and apply after your out the bandaid on to ease the pain and keep it infection as well the bandaid in referring to does not completely cover the wound which you don't want to do it needs to air dry to heal properly in their small and goes across the opening may need to use 4 of them can get them just about anywhere your will know then even you see them look different from regular bandaid and no gauze just Neosporin and aloe vera juice, followed mean vitamin E oil once ITS closed to reduced scaring hope but do it promptly this helps you

wolfcat87 · Accepted Answer

If it's a dog bite and in the U. S. they will ask for the identity of the dog and report it to local authorities. It will be a strike against it. Multiple strikes will lead to the dog being put down. If the dog does not have its rabies shots, it will be put down.

Dog bites often get infected pretty badly. Green ooze and can lose a limb level infection. You should definitely see a doctor.

LaFemmeFatale_1 · Accepted Answer

I am sorry, It must hurt a lot….  Please, go to the doctor.  I am not trying to scare you but This might get dangerous unless treated.

OlderAndWiser · Answer

That looks gnarly! Appears to be infected. If it has been more than 24 hours, it may be too late for stitches but it at least needs steristrips and dressings. Are you diabetic? Do you have compromised peripheral circulation?

rigmarole · Answer

Bacteria (i. e. strep) in dogs mouths can lead to tissue necrosis and eventual amputation as well as septic shock if not treated. It doesn't happen all the time, but it does happen roughly 15% of the time. Black tissue isn't a great sign... The picture might be showing bruising or scabbing, it's hard to tell from the pic, but it looks similar to early stages of necrosis from what I can see. Go to a doctor. Get it cleaned and get on antibiotics.

petitedollbabee · Answer

I would highly recommend seeing a doctor for that asap. Not sure if you’d need stitches but you may need antibiotics or some sort of treatment, especially if it was caused by a dog.

Surely · Answer

If your dog is an outside animal. I would be concerned if the rabies shots were not up to date and see a physician.
If no concerns for rabies. I would definitely keep a close eye on the wound. Keep it clean and use a cleansing solution on it. If at any time it becomes warm and inflamed. I would seek medical attention immediately.

Bl0n6eguy · Answer

Seek immediate medical examination and treatment. An injury like this can cause a lasting infection, not to mention the bruising and scar it will leave.

sage2021 · Answer

Tell the person to get the tetanus shot that prevents rabies And for them follow the great advice from other members here.

ChicoFromThe305 · Answer

Dude yes get some damn stitches, the flesh is too far apart to have a clean heal, also you need antibiotics, you can't sleep that off, also consider putting that dog to sleep.

sawno · Answer

Go to a doctor asap so you don't get an infection or a disease.

BoopBoopBeep · Answer

Looks like you need antibiotic and some steristrips, but that's not bad enough for stitches.

veganrogue · Answer

I'd personally ask a doctor over GaG, but that's just me.

DancingQueen16 · Answer

Oh my gosh!! I'm no doctor but I highly recommend going to the emergency room and getting that looked at

Joshydavid25 · Answer

Damn, you probably may need some.. Or get to the hospital, and get something that could heal it up nicely at least..

Anonymous · Answer

You will have to go to the hospital to get it cleaned, get some antibiotics, and stitches. You may also need to put the dog to sleep - that type of aggression isn’t normal.

joehypo1 · Answer

Keep it clean and should be ok but infection can kill i know people that have died from infection

worldscolide · Answer

You need stitches and a hospital. At your age that could get infected and KILL you.. Please seek a doctor, Please get checked for infection.

Fireguy17 · Answer

Depending on how deep it is. Depending on how long ago it happened it might be too late now.

DJB72 · Answer

At least you need to get it checked out. That looks very nasty

Lynx--- · Answer

Damn. Get to a physician please. Don't screw around with animal bites. And maybe reconsider your relationship with that dog.

RedInnocent68 · Answer

That ain’t your dog. It’s a mortal enemy that needs to be destroyed. See a doctor.

LiamJHayden · Answer

At 70 you are better safe than sorry. Get thee to a physician.

DextroShade · Answer

You need stitches for your arm and euthanasia for that damn dog.

Yaesmin111 · Answer

That's why i don't think it's a good idea to have some dog breeds at your home without you being professional They are not safe and predictable

OddBeMe · Answer

Stitches are for wounds that don’t stop bleeding. Although I’ve just used super glue before.

Jmmmfi4 · Answer

NO IDEA... IM NOT A VETERINARIAN

Anonymous · Answer

If that's your leg you need stitches. If it's your finger maybe not, but I hope your tetanus shots are up to date.

electromagnetic · Answer

And a rabies shot too.

MemeSupreme · Answer

well i guess im not sleeping tonight lmfao

Thestupidusername · Answer

Go to the doctor now!

Dargil · Answer

One way or another, you should see an MD.

Drumlin2001 · Answer

Dogs mouths are rife with bacteria, you should

Anonymous · Answer

Go to the ER now!

Staximus · Answer

Go to the hospital right now

TiaNour · Answer

You sure that was a dog lmao?

Charliefretz329 · Answer

That’s a cooked carrot 🥕

serenalovesramen · Answer

Get rid of the dog

My dog did this an I wonder if I need stitches?

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