Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: Minor scrapes and small, shallow cuts can often be cared for at home: stop any bleeding with gentle pressure, rinse with clean lukewarm water or saline, keep your pet from licking, and watch for infection. See a vet for any bite wound, puncture, deep or gaping cut, heavy bleeding, or wound on the eye, chest, belly, or a joint, since these often hide deeper damage or need stitches.
Home first aid for minor wounds
- Stay safe: a hurt pet may bite. Use a towel or muzzle a dog if needed and breathing normally
- Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze for 5–10 minutes to stop bleeding
- Rinse with plenty of clean, lukewarm water or sterile saline
- Gently clip hair around the edges if safe
- Use a vet-recommended antiseptic such as dilute chlorhexidine if advised
- Prevent licking with a cone or recovery suit
- Check twice daily
See a vet if
- Any bite from another animal
- Punctures, deep or gaping cuts, or cuts longer than about half an inch
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop after 10 minutes of pressure
- Wounds on the eye, chest, belly, or near joints
- Signs of infection: redness spreading, swelling, heat, pus, odor
- Your pet is lethargic, not eating, or has a fever
What to avoid
- Hydrogen peroxide and alcohol, which damage tissue
- Tea tree and other essential oils
- Human creams with numbing agents or zinc
- Human pain relievers
- Tight bandages
More: signs of wound infection.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Wound management in small animals
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): First aid tips for pet owners
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.