When a dog gets cut by scissors, it can be scary and emotionally upsetting for both the dog and the owner. However, with proper first aid and wound care, most scissor cuts can heal without complications. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to treat a scissor cut on a dog.
Stop the bleeding
The first priority when dealing with any cut is to stop the bleeding. Apply direct pressure on the wound with a clean cloth or gauze pad. Hold steady, firm pressure for at least 5 minutes without peeking. This will allow a clot to form and help stop further blood loss.
If the bleeding does not stop after applying direct pressure, do not remove the gauze pad. Simply place more gauze or a cloth on top and continue applying pressure. Elevating the injured area above the level of the heart can also help slow blood flow.
If the cut is on a paw or leg, a temporary bandage wrap may help provide additional pressure. Wrap the bandage snugly but not too tightly, as restricting circulation can cause more harm.
Never use a tourniquet unless instructed to do so by a veterinarian, as this can damage tissue. Also avoid using human blood clotting products like QuickClot on pets.
Assess the wound
Once the bleeding has stopped, you can assess the severity of the wound. Carefully remove the gauze or cloth and examine the cut. Consider the following:
- Size – Is it a small nick or a large, gaping laceration?
- Depth – How deep does the cut appear? Can you see fat, muscle, or bone?
- Location – Is it on the body, leg, face, or paws?
- Bleeding – Has the bleeding fully stopped or does it resume when pressure is removed?
Severe lacerations, tears over joints, and cuts that won’t stop bleeding warrant an emergency vet visit. Deep cuts and those exposing tissue beneath the skin are at high risk for infection.
Clean the wound
All cuts should be gently flushed with saline solution or plain water to remove debris and bacteria. Do not use hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or iodine, as these can damage tissue.
Hold the dog still and pour the solution over the wound from a cup, water bottle, or gentle stream from the faucet. Start at the center and work outward. Pat dry with a clean towel.
If the cut is filled with visible debris, use tweezers cleaned with rubbing alcohol to gently remove any particles you can grasp. Avoid digging into or scrubbing the wound.
Bandage the cut
Once clean, you can apply a light bandage. This protects the wound from dirt and bacteria. Use gauze pads and self-adhering wrap:
- Place a non-stick gauze pad or piece of clean cloth directly over the cut.
- Wrap the adjoining area with self-adhering bandage material, stretching slightly as you go.
- Leave bandages slightly looser over joints to allow flexibility.
- Cover with a cone collar to prevent licking and chewing at bandages.
Bandages should be changed daily, or whenever they become wet or soiled. Signs of discharge, redness, or swelling can indicate infection.
Get professional treatment
More serious lacerations require sutures, surgical glue, or skin staples to close and heal properly. Deep wounds may also need debridement and drainage.
Signs a cut needs professional treatment include:
- Ongoing bleeding that won’t stop
- Gaping, ragged wound edges
- Exposure of fat, muscle, bone, or organs
- Cuts over joints or genital areas
- Suspicion of a foreign object still inside wound
In addition to closing and stabilizing severe lacerations, vets will prescribe antibiotics and pain medication as needed. Follow all at-home care instructions provided.
Monitor for complications
Check the wound daily for signs of problems as it heals. Contact your vet if you notice:
- Increased redness, swelling, or discharge
- Green or yellow pus
- Foul odor
- Bleeding that restarts
- Loss of sutures or glue
- Difficulty bearing weight on limb
- Loss of appetite, lethargy, or other signs of systemic infection
With prompt treatment, most scissor cuts heal without major complications. More serious infections may require additional antibiotic therapy, wound debridement, or revision surgery.
Prevent re-injury
Until fully healed, take steps to prevent the dog from traumatizing the injury again:
- Use an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking and chewing at bandages
- Restrict activity to leashed, controlled walks
- Prevent access to stairs, furniture, or vehicles
- Separate from other pets to avoid play that could re-open wound
Also puppy-proof your home by storing scissors, knives, and other sharp objects safely out of reach. Supervise playtime with children to avoid falls, collisions, or grabbing at tender wounds.
Know when to seek emergency care
In some cases, scissor cuts require emergency veterinary treatment. Seek immediate help if:
- There is profuse, unstoppable bleeding
- You suspect a body cavity or organ has been punctured
- The laceration is large enough to require many sutures
- The cut is on the face, paw pad, joint, or genital region
- Your dog is exhibiting signs of shock like pale gums, weakness, rapid heart rate, trouble breathing, or collapse
Emergency vets are equipped to control major bleeding, close severe lacerations, treat shock, and provide intensive wound management and monitoring.
FAQs
Can I just use super glue or butterfly bandages at home?
No, household items like super glue and butterfly bandages are not appropriate ways to close a serious cut at home. The wound will heal much better with proper veterinary treatment.
Should I give my dog antibiotics?
Never give your dog antibiotics without direction from a veterinarian, as inappropriate use can do more harm than good. Your vet will prescribe antibiotics if needed based on wound severity, location, and risk of infection.
How long do scissor cuts take to heal?
Healing time depends on factors like wound size, depth, location, and whether complications arise. Small nicks may heal in 5-7 days with proper care, while more severe lacerations can take 2-4 weeks to fully close.
How do I know if the cut is infected?
Signs of infection include pus, foul odor, increased swelling and redness, bleeding, loss of sutures, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Contact your vet at the first signs of trouble.
Should I bandage the wound?
Light bandaging helps protect most cuts from dirt and trauma. But some areas like paw pads and joints should be left open initially. Follow your vet’s directions on proper bandaging.
Summary
Scissor cuts on dogs should never be ignored. All lacerations require prompt first aid and medical care. Controlling bleeding, cleaning, bandaging, close monitoring, and preventing re-injury can help wounds heal without complication.
Severe cuts with ongoing bleeding, significant depth and tissue trauma, or those over sensitive areas need professional treatment. Vets can provide wound closure, pain control, and antibiotics as needed.
While scary, most scissor cuts ultimately heal well with proper care. By acting quickly and getting veterinary help when appropriate, you can help get your pup back on the road to recovery.