Not every cut or graze your dog gets requires veterinary care, but it's important to know how to treat your dog's wounds and when it's time to head to the vet. Today, our Mechanicsburg vets provide tips on dog wound care at home.
Accidents Happen
Every dog could experience an accident that leads to a cut, graze, or other injuries that require care. Some wounds that seem small can result in serious infections so if you are in doubt about whether you should take your dog to the vet, it's always best to err on the side of caution. Taking your dog to the vet for a wound as soon as it occurs could save your dog a lot of pain.
Wounds That Require Veterinary Care
While some dog wounds can be treated at home some, wounds should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Wounds that require veterinary care include:
- Animals bites (these may look small but become infected very very quickly)
- Skin that has been torn away from the flesh below (often occurs during dog fights)
- A wound with a large foreign object lodged in it (ie: a piece of glass)
- Wounds caused by a car accident or other trauma
- Injuries around the eyes, head
- Injuries that cause breathing difficulties
Putting Together Your Doggie First Aid Kit
Having a pet first aid kit on hand can be helpful if your dog has a minor injury. Below are a few things you should always have on hand in case your dog gets hurt.
- Muzzle
- Soap or cleaning solution
- Pet antiseptic solution (ie: 2% chlorhexidine)
- Antimicrobial ointment suitable for dogs
- Sterile bandages
- Self-adhesive bandages
- Bandage scissors
- Tweezers
- Spray bottle
- Clean towels or rags
First Aid For Dogs
Wounds should be cleaned and cared for as soon as possible to avoid infections. Before beginning first aid on your dog, it is best to have someone to help you restrain your dog.
If you are unsure about what to do, or whether your pet needs veterinary care, remember that when it comes to your animal's health it is always better to err on the side of caution. When in doubt contact your vet, or an emergency vet immediately.
Muzzle Your Dog
A scared, anxious, or hurt dog may bite while you are trying to help which is why our team recommends muzzling your dog before beginning first aid treatment if it doesn't impede access to the wound. It's a good idea to practice putting a muzzle on your dog before an injury arises so that your dog is used to the process and how the muzzle feels. This will help to prevent adding to your dog's distress.
Check For Foreign Objects Lodged in The Wound
Look for objects or debris that may be lodged in the wound. This is especially important if the wound is on your dog's paw pad and they may have stepped on something sharp. If you can easily remove the object with tweezers, do so gently. If the object is lodged deeply, leave it and call your veterinarian or an emergency vet immediately.
Clean the Wound
If the wound is on your dog's paw, you could swish the injured paw around in a clean bowl or bucket of warm water to help rinse out any dirt and debris. If the wound is elsewhere on your dog's body you can place your dog in a sink, bath, or shower and gently run clean water over the wound. You may want to add a small amount of mild baby shampoo, dish soap, or hand soap to the water.
Do not use harsh cleaners or apply hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or other caustic cleaning products to your dog’s skin.
Control Bleeding
Provided that there is nothing stuck in the wound apply pressure using a clean towel. While most small wounds will stop bleeding within a couple of minutes, larger wounds are likely to take longer. Bleeding should stop within 10 minutes of applying pressure. If your dog is still bleeding after that time, contact your vet or emergency animal hospital right away.
Contain Your Dog's Wound
If you have antibacterial ointment on hand you may want to apply a small amount to the area before covering the wound with a piece of sterile gauze or other bandages. Avoid using products that contain hydrocortisone or other corticosteroids. Use a self-adhesive elastic bandage to hold the gauze in place.
Prevent Your Dog From Licking The Wound
If your dog is trying to lick the wound it may be necessary to have your dog wear the cone of shame.
Ongoing Care
Your dog's wound will need to be monitored at least twice a day to ensure that infection doesn't set in and healing is proceeding as expected. Clean the wound with water or a pet-safe antiseptic solution twice a day, and contact your vet immediately if the wound become inflamed and shows signs of infection.
If you notice increasing redness, swelling, discharge, increasing pain in the area of the wound, or a bad odor coming from the wound, contact your vet right away.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.