16355 SW 88th Street
Miami, FL 33196
Monday-Friday: 9:00am-6:00pm; Saturday: 8:30am-2:00pm; Sunday: Closed
When your pet gets hurt, whether it’s a small scrape from backyard play or a deeper laceration from an unexpected encounter, how quickly and properly the wound is treated affects whether it heals cleanly or leads to infection and complications.
Dr. Morales and Dr. Fernandez know injuries don’t follow a schedule, which is why we offer same-day appointments for wound care. As a husband-and-wife veterinary team, we combine medical expertise with Fear Free handling to keep an already uncomfortable visit as calm as possible for your pet.
Superficial wounds, like small cuts or scrapes, affect only the outer skin and still need proper cleaning to prevent infection, even when they look minor. Deeper wounds involve underlying tissue and can be deceptive, puncture wounds especially can look small on the surface while causing real damage beneath. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, discharge, heat, or your pet developing a fever or lethargy.
For minor wounds, gently clean the area with lukewarm water and apply pressure with a clean cloth if there’s bleeding. Avoid hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, since these can actually damage healthy tissue and slow healing. Deep wounds, puncture wounds, heavy bleeding, injuries near the eyes or joints, or any sign of infection need professional evaluation rather than home care.
Bite wounds are especially concerning because they push bacteria deep into tissue and can look far less serious than they actually are. Even a bite from a seemingly healthy animal can carry bacteria that cause serious infection, so we recommend having any bite wound evaluated. Call (786) 885-1590 if your pet has been bitten or injured.
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We start with a thorough exam to assess not just the visible wound but your pet’s overall condition, including whether imaging or lab work is needed. Appropriate pain management comes first, since comfortable pets heal better and it lets us treat the wound properly without added stress.
We use sterile solutions and proper irrigation to thoroughly flush out debris and bacteria, then apply treatment based on the type and severity of the injury. Some wounds are closed with sutures right away, while contaminated or older wounds are often left open initially to avoid trapping bacteria inside, we determine the best approach for each case.
We send you home with clear instructions on bandage changes, medication, and activity restrictions. An Elizabethan collar is the most common way to keep your pet from licking or scratching the wound, and we’ll walk you through alternatives if that doesn’t work well for your pet. Watch daily for increased redness, swelling, discharge, or fever, and call us right away if you notice any of these.
Most minor wounds show real improvement within a week, while deeper injuries can take several weeks to fully heal. We schedule follow-up visits to check healing progress, remove sutures if needed, and adjust the treatment plan as your pet recovers.
At Your Family Veterinarian, we’re proud to offer:
Minor scrapes with light bleeding can often be gently cleaned at home, but deep wounds, puncture wounds, heavy bleeding, injuries near the eyes or joints, or any wound showing redness, swelling, or discharge need professional evaluation. Call (786) 885-1590 if you’re unsure and we can help you decide.
Bites push bacteria deep beneath the skin, so a wound that looks minor on the surface can still cause significant damage or infection underneath. Even bites from healthy-looking animals can introduce bacteria that lead to serious infection, which is why we recommend having any bite evaluated.
No, both can damage healthy tissue and actually slow down healing. For minor wounds at home, gently clean with lukewarm water and apply light pressure with a clean cloth if there’s bleeding, then have it evaluated if it looks deep or doesn’t improve.
It depends on the wound’s age, location, and how contaminated it is. Fresh, clean wounds can often be closed with sutures right away, while older or contaminated wounds are sometimes left open initially to prevent trapping bacteria inside. We determine the best approach during your pet’s exam.
Most minor wounds show noticeable improvement within about a week, while deeper or more extensive injuries can take several weeks. We schedule follow-up visits to track healing and adjust care as needed. Call (786) 885-1590 if healing seems slower than expected.
Complications are easier to prevent than to treat, so if your pet has a wound, don’t wait for it to get worse. Call (786) 885-1590 or book online for same-day wound care with Your Family Veterinarian. Our clinic is located at 16355 SW 88th Street, Miami, FL 33196 in the shopping plaza with LA Fitness and Starbucks. We’re open Monday through Friday, 9am–6pm, and Saturday, 8:30am–2pm.
