Dogs are fun-loving, active creatures but on occasion, their sense of adventure leads to wounds and injuries that need care. In today's post, you will find information about basic first aid for treating dog wounds and when to contact your vet.
Dog Wound Care
Even the most laid-back pouch can have an accident that leads to a cut, graze or another injury that requires care.
That being the case, it's important for pet parents to know how to care for minor dog wounds and injuries at home, and to be able to spot a wound that needs the care of a veterinary professional.
It may sound counterintuitive but many wounds that seem minor 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 pup to the vet for a wound as soon as it occurs could save your dog a lot of pain, and you a lot of money in the long run.
Wounds & Injuries That Require Veterinary Care
The truth is that not all dog wounds and injuries your dog receives need to be treated by a vet, but there are a few specific types of injuries that demand veterinary care as quickly as possible in order to prevent complications and unnecessary pain for your pup
Dog wounds that require veterinary care include:
- Animal 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 object lodged in it (ie: a piece of glass)
- Wounds caused by a car accident or other trauma
- Injuries around the eyes, head or that lead to breathing difficulties
If your dog is experiencing any of the above types of injuries it's time to head to your vet as soon as possible or visit your nearest animal emergency hospital for urgent care.
Put Together a First Aid Kit For Dogs - Before You Need It!
Keeping a pet-specific first aid kit handy and well-stocked is the first step in being able to help your dog when they need it. Below are a few things you should always have on hand in case your dog gets hurt.
- Properly fitting muzzle
- Soap or cleaning solution
- Pet antiseptic solution (ie: 2% chlorhexidine)
- Antimicrobial ointment for suitable for dogs
- Sterile bandages
- Self-adhesive bandages
- Bandage scissors
- Tweezers
- Spray bottle
- Clean towels or rags
How to Care For Your Dog's Wound
Wounds need to 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 restain your pup and be generally supportive.
If you are unsure about what to do, or whether your pet needs veterinary care, remember that when it comes to your furry friend's health it is always better to err on the side of caution. When in doubt contact your vet, or an emergency vet immediately.
Stay Safe
A scared, anxious or hurt dog may bite while you are trying to help, which is why it is typically better to have your dog treated by a veterinary professional. Vets, vet techs and many other staff working in veterinary hospitals have the training and skill to safely deal with hurt and anxious pets. If you are unsure about your ability to apply first aid safely, contact a veterinarian for help determining your best course of action.
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 are able to 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.
Ensure That the Wound is Cleaned Properly
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 as these can be painful or even cause the wound to take longer to heal.
Apply Pressure to 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.
Cover The Wound to Keep It Clean
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 bandage. 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 pooch is trying to lick the wound it may be necessary to have your dog wear an e-collar.
Ongoing Care To Help Your Dog's Wound Heal Quickly
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, contact your vet immediately if the wound becomes 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.