how do i know if i need stitches?

Question

my dog bit my nose and i'm not sure if i should go to the dr...

Answer 1

Check for bleeding.

Answer 2

An animal bite in general is more likely to become infected, so i would seek medical attention (because you might need antibiotics). Also if you haven’t had a tetanus shot within the last 5-10 years you might need one as well. Considering it is your face, if you go to an emergency room, the ER will have an on call plastic surgeon who will come in to suture your face (this will minimize scaring). Keep in mind, if you wait too long, the doctor will not suture your laceration; there is a specific window of time!! If you wait too long, there is nothing that they can or will do for it. My advise would be to go to the hospital asap. Good Luck

Answer 3

if you are unable to stop the bleeding, you are able to open up the cut and see inside or you have body fat/tissue coming out of the cut-then you probably need stitches.

i would make an appt within 24 hours to see your regular dr if you decide not to go to the er. dogs have lots of germs in their mouths and you will need a tetanus shot.

for now-wash the cut out with warm water and mild soap (ivory or dove). apply a thin layer of neosporin over the bite to prevent infection. if necessary-you can cover the bite with a gauze square and some medical tape.

for pain take ibuprofen 200-400mg every 6 hours but no more than 1200mg in 24 hours.

Answer 4

Ok calm down. A way to find out if you need stiches if bleeding does not stop (after pressure has been applied), (apply pressure for 10 mins and if not, get someone to drive you to the doctor. Oh and tell the doctor exactly what happend (you may need a Tetanus Shot). Oh and if the dog was from wildlife DEFFINITLYEY get a Tetanus Shot.

Answer 5

You need stitches if its a big cut and wont stop bleeding. if its not bleeding it should be fine. unless it gets infected (because if was an animal bite) if it begins to look like its getting infected go to the doctor, but if its not bleeding and doesnt look infected just clean the wound and keep a bandaid on it and it should be fine.
o yeah... but some antiboitic cream on it.

Answer 6

Are the wounds gaping as in meat is hanging out of the cuts? If so head to the ER. Anytime you are in doubt you should go to the doctor. Had your dog had all his shots? You may need medication to avoid an infection.

Answer 7

If it won't stop bleeding even after pressure is applied, it probably needs stitches. On your face, why are you risking it? The doctor will know how to treat you so as to minimize any scaring. If it was my face, I'd go. better safe than sorry.

Answer 8

How deep is the bite? If it's bleeding a lot you'll probably need to have it seen to. There are a lot of bacteria in a dog's mouth so if I were you I'd go to the doctor just to be sure there is no infection.

Answer 9

You have a certain time frame to get stiches once you get a cutt. I think it is only a couple of hours, after that doctors will only do a butterfly bandaid.....anytime you get a cutt on your face you go straight to the doctor...i would still go and see if you need shots or not and to check it out so you dont get a bad scar...

Answer 10

i recently cut my leg open and it there was barely any blood but it looked bad, I butterfly bandaged it and kept it clean well i kept it clean and now its just a deep scar that could be alot smaller and noticeable had i got stitches. Its better to be safe then sorry, i wish i had got the stitches.

Answer 11

If the skin is seperated enough that there is concern that it will not heal well. Also, on the face it is sometimes nice to get stitches to reduce the amount of scar.