There are several factors to take into account: the type of wound, its size and its depth, the amount of blood, the general state of your dog and where the wound is.
Superficial wounds, such as scrapes and shallow cuts can be dealt with at home. Take care of them by following the recommendations. This type of wound should heal in 24 to 48 hours. If this is not the case, or if the area becomes red, warm, swollen or painful to the touch, you are advised to make an appointment with your veterinarian.
If this is a deep cut, with or without a foreign object, you are advised to quickly go see your veterinarian. This type of wound may need to be stitched or sealed with staples.
Wounds of the abrasive type (burning by friction) usually occur during car accidents. It is necessary to see a veterinarian as soon as possible, even if your dog seems to be fine and moves around normally. This type of wound is also painful and takes longer to heal, as the surrounding tissues have been compressed. They require a rigorous treatment under the supervision of a professional, and potentially an antibiotic treatment. The other types of burns also require monitoring by a veterinarian.
Bites have to quickly be checked by a veterinarian. Firstly because these wounds are dirty, as bacteria coming from the mouth have entered deep into the wound. Secondly, bites can cause significant and deep lesions, that can even affect internal organs. This means it’s an emergency.
In certain cases, your dog’s situation requires surgical treatment, which means your veterinarian will have to debride and flush the wound to remove dead tissue and ensure the best possible basis for effective healing. Abscesses generally need to be drained.
If your dog is losing large quantities of blood, is in pain, or even unconscious, you need to urgently see your veterinarian!
Finally, certain areas take more time than others to heal and/or are subject to superinfection: the space between the toes, the face (in particular close to the eye), the area around the anus, the folds in the groin and underarm. If your companion sustains an injury around these areas, you should plan a visit to the veterinarian.
