Take a Class Resources Learn Pet First Aid First Aid for Dogs Dog Wounds: Cuts and Tears (Lacerations)
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  • Dog Wounds: Cuts and Tears (Lacerations)

    Dog with laceration on paw.

    What is a Laceration?

    A laceration is a wound that cuts through the skin to the deeper underlying layers. They may be deep enough to involve veins, arteries, nerves, ligaments, muscles, tendons, or even bone, so it is crucial to fully assess the laceration.

    Minor lacerations may be treated at home, call your vet to discuss the wound.

    What are the common causes of lacerations?

    Lacerations often results from:

    • Accidental injury
    • Trauma
    • Animal Fights
    • Animal Abuse
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    Emergency Steps

    1

    Check the dog’s ABCs, and perform CPR as needed.

    2

    Stop the bleeding.

    • Apply direct pressure. For minor laceration, flush and wash the wound with warm water or saline solution.
    3

    Cover the area with a clean cloth.

    4

    Take your dog to the veterinary hospital, as many lacerations will require sutures/stitches.

    Dog Cuts and Tears (Lacerations) FAQs

    Dog ABCs

    • Check Airway
      • With the dog on his side, tilt the head back, pull the tongue out, use your finger to check for a foreign object.
    • Check Breathing
      • Check to see if the dog is breathing. If not, begin rescue breathing. Gently close the dog’s mouth and extend the neck to open the airway. Cover the nose with your mouth and exhale until you see the dog’s chest rise. Give a rescue breath over 1 second.
    • Check Circulation
      • Check for a heartbeat. If absent, perform chest compressions.

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    Information Provided Deborah C. Mandell, BS, VMD

    Dr. Debbie Mandell

    Pet First Aid information provided by Dr. Debbie Mandell, Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; American Red Cross National Pet Care Advisor for the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.

    About Red Cross Training Services

    More than 4.6M people turn to us, the trusted training provider for First Aid, CPR, BLS and more, every year to gain lifesaving skills. Trust us to deliver unmatched lifesaving training that will provide you the confidence and skills to act when moments matter. Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), Babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.