As much as we try to monitor our dogs and their actions, sometimes it’s impossible to avoid them getting an injury – whether they have a small scratch, or a large open wound, it’s very important to know the right steps to take in ensuring their (and your) safety. 

Whilst not all wounds require emergency care, some can be life-threatening and need treatment at the soonest moment; meanwhile some wounds can be treated at home or simply left to heal themselves, the importance is to know the difference and to act quickly. However, please remember that the wound that you see might not be the full extent of the damage caused, so if there are any concerns, you should contact your local veterinarian as soon as possible. 

Common Types of Wounds 

To differentiate between wounds that are potentially life threatening, and those that can be treated from home, firstly we will take a look at the common types of wounds that are seen in dogs: 

  • Cuts and Lacerations: Most likely open wounds that can occur from sharp objects such as glass, metal, or even from instances such as rough play with other dogs – these cuts can range from minor surface cuts to deeper lacerations that may require stitches; 
  • Puncture Wounds: Often caused by bites from other animals, sticks or other sharp objects – a puncture wound can look very small on the surface of the skin, but can extend deep into the body. Due to the small surface hole, bacteria can easily become trapped inside, therefore creating a higher risk of infection; 
  • Abrasions and Grazes: These are scrapes and surface wounds that dogs might get from sliding across rough ground, or brushing against hard surfaces – they usually aren’t deep but can be very painful and prone to irritation and injection if left untreated; 
  • Burns or Chemical Wounds: Heat, flames or exposure to common household chemicals can cause very serious and painful burns. These injuries can vary in severity, from mild redness to serious damage that would require immediate veterinary attention. 

When a Dog’s Wound becomes an Emergency 

Whilst most of the above wounds can be handled at home with some basic first aid, some of these are classes as emergencies and require immediate veterinary attention. Knowing the warning signs could save your dog’s life. Here I have listed the key situations in which you should treat a wound as an emergency, and in doing so recognising that veterinary attention is required as soon as possible: 

  • Bleeding that will not stop: If blood continues to flow even after applying gentle pressure with a compress for 5 minutes, it is recommended to head to the vet’s – however whilst trialling pressure on the wound, it is always advised to ring your veterinary to seek further advice; 
  • Deep wounds: any injury that exposes muscle, tendon or bone, or large cuts, should be taken to your veterinary practice immediately; 
  • Animal bites and Puncture wounds: even small punctures from another dog or wild animal carry a high risk of infection, making prompt medical treatment essential; 
  • Critical locations: wounds that are on/near the eyes, joints, paws or genitals can quickly complicate the mobility, vision or overall health of the animal and must be seen to immediately; 
  • Severe pain or distress: Crying, shaking or becoming guarded/aggressive when a wound is touched is a strong signal that your dog is in pain and needs help that is beyond home care; 
  • Swelling, or rapidly growing lumps: profuse swelling, especially if it is rapidly worsening, can mean infection or even internal bleeding, and therefore should be seen by your vet immediately; 
  • Foreign objects: If the animal has a foreign object in the wound, such as a stick/glass/other debris, then you should not try and remove these yourself, but should let your vet handle them safely; 
  • Heavy contamination: Wounds that are heavily soiled with dirt, faeces, or chemicals carry a serious risk of infection or toxic reaction, these need to be treated correctly by your vet; 
  • Breathing trouble, or Chest/Neck wounds: Any injury that is near the airways or lungs can quickly become life-threatening; 
  • Signs of shock: Pale gums, or collapsing, are extreme medical emergencies, and must not be delayed in being seen by your veterinarian. 

It is very important to remember that if you are ever unsure, it is always safer to seek veterinary advice on the side of caution, quick veterinary care can prevent complications and help your furry friend to heal faster. 

First Aid for Wounds: 

If your dog is ever injured, staying calm and taking the right first aid steps can make a huge difference in their safety – whilst you should always seek advice from your vet, there are some steps that you can take to control the situation at home: 

  • Control the bleeding: Using a clean cloth, sterile gauze, or bandage to apply gentle but fir, pressure on the wound. Whilst doing so, you should avoid checking too often – hold the compress steady for several minutes to give the blood time to clot; 
  • Keeping the wound clean and covered: If the wound is dirty, gently flush it with clean water or a pet-safe saline solution. Avoid harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, which can damage healthy tissue. Once cleaned, loosely cover the wound with sterile gauze or a clean cloth to protect it from further contamination; 
  • Keeping your dog calm and restrained: An injured dog may be frightened or in pain, which can make them snap or struggle—even with their owner. Speak softly, move slowly, and if needed, use a muzzle or have someone gently hold your dog still while you provide care. Keeping them calm will reduce stress and prevent the wound from worsening. 

Why Prompt Veterinary Attention Matters 

When a dog is injured, it’s easy to underestimate the seriousness of the wound and hope it will heal on its own. The reality is that veterinary assessment is crucial, because what looks minor on the surface may hide deeper tissue damage, internal bleeding, or injury to muscles and joints. Even small wounds can become infected within hours, especially if they’re bites or contaminated by dirt, and early treatment dramatically lowers that risk. Your vet can also provide proper pain relief, making your dog far more comfortable as they heal, and ensure wounds are cleaned, stitched, or dressed in a way that speeds up recovery and prevents scarring or long-term complications. 

It’s also worth remembering that every dog is different, and the way they respond to pain or injury can vary widely. Some dogs may try to hide their discomfort, while others react strongly to even minor wounds. That’s why paying attention to subtle changes in behaviour—such as reluctance to move, loss of appetite, or sudden aggression—can be just as important as examining the wound itself. These small signals can help you decide when it’s time to contact your vet for advice, even if the injury doesn’t look severe. Trusting your instincts as an owner, combined with professional guidance, is the safest way to protect your pet’s health. 

Ultimately, quick action is the best ways to keep your dog safe, comfortable, and on the road to healing – if you’re ever in doubt, you should call your vet immediately for advice and guidance, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your dog’s health.