Accidents Happen - Even to Dogs
Even the most laid-back and relaxed dog can have an accident that results in a cut, graze, or other injury that requires medical attention. Having said that, even minor wounds can lead to serious infections. If you're unsure whether to take your dog to the vet, it's always best to err on the side of caution. Taking your dog to the vet as soon as a wound appears could save your dog a lot of pain and money.
Wounds That Require Veterinary Care
While some dog wounds can be treated at home there are also wounds that 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 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
Putting Together Your Doggie First Aid Kit
Having a pet first aid kit on hand, and a little know-how, 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 for suitable for dogs
- Sterile bandages
- Self-adhesive bandages
- Bandage scissors
- Tweezers
- Spray bottle
- Clean towels or rags
Administering First Aid to Your Pooch
Wounds should be cleaned and cared for as soon as possible in order to avoid infections. Before beginning first aid on your dog, it is best to have someone to help you restrain 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 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 hurt pooch before beginning first aid treatment. 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 pup'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 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.
Clean the Wound
If the wound is on your dog's paw, you could care for it by swishing 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.
Control Bleeding
As long as nothing is stuck in the wound, apply pressure with a clean towel. While most minor wounds will stop bleeding within a few minutes, larger wounds will likely take longer. The bleeding should stop within 10 minutes of applying pressure. If your dog is still bleeding after that time, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away.
Contain Your Dog's Wound
If you have antibacterial ointment on hand, apply a small amount to the wound before covering it with sterile gauze or another bandage. Products containing hydrocortisone or other corticosteroids should be avoided. To keep the gauze in place, use a self-adhesive elastic bandage.
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
Your dog's wound should be checked at least twice a day to ensure that infection does not set in and that healing is progressing as expected. Clean the wound twice a day with water or a pet-safe antiseptic solution, and contact your veterinarian immediately if the wound becomes inflamed or 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.