While some minor injuries can be easily treated in the comfort of your home, others may require professional veterinary care. But how do you know when it is serious? Here, our Westfield veterinarians share a complete guide to dog wound care including tips and advice on when to call the vet.
How to Care for a Dog's Wound
Even the most laid-back and relaxed dog can have an accident that results in a cut, graze, or another injury that necessitates first aid. However, even minor wounds can cause serious infections, so if you are unsure whether you should take your dog to the vet, it is 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 you a lot of money in the long run.
What types of dog wounds require veterinary care?
While some dog wounds may be cared for by pet parents, some wounds should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Wounds that require veterinary care include:
- Animal bites (these may look small but become infected very very quickly if not treated)
- 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 or nail)
- Wounds caused by a car accident or other trauma
- Injuries around the eyes, head or that lead to breathing difficulties
How to Stock Your First Aid Kit for Dog Wound Care at Home
Having a pet first aid kit on hand can help with minor and common injuries like dog paw wound care when at home. Here are some of the items that you should keep stocked in your doggy first aid kit:
- 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
How to Care for Dog Wounds
It's important to provide care for any wound your dog sustains right away to help prevent infections. If you are unsure what to do or whether your pet requires veterinary care, remember that it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your pet's health. When in doubt, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian right away.
Call a Friend or Family Member
Because a scared, anxious, or injured dog may bite while you are attempting to help, you may want to consider asking someone to help keep your dog calm and restained before beginning first aid treatment. This can go a long way in preventing accidents and can help your dog feel more at ease.
Clear Away Any Dirt or Debris
Look for objects or debris that may be lodged in the wound. This is especially important care 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 vet, or an emergency animal hospital immediately.
Gently Cleanse Your Dog's Wound
If the wound is on your dog's paw, you can rinse it in a clean bowl or bucket of warm water to remove any dirt and debris. If the wound is elsewhere on your dog's body, you can gently run clean water over the wound by placing your dog in a sink, bath, or shower. You could 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.
Use Light But Firm Pressure to Stop the Bleeding
Apply pressure to the wound with a clean towel if nothing is stuck in it. While most minor wounds will stop bleeding within a few minutes, larger wounds will most likely take longer. Within 10 minutes of applying pressure, the bleeding should stop. If your dog is still bleeding after that, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.
Cover the Wound in a Clean and Sterile Bandage
Apply antibiotic ointment and wrap the wound in a sterile bandage. Products containing hydrocortisone or other corticosteroids should be avoided. To keep the gauze in place, use a self-adhesive elastic bandage.
What are the stages of healing for dog wounds?
The four main stages that a dog's wound will go through as it heals are:
- Inflammation: The body slows blood flow and activates the immune system.
- Debridement: Clean up, including removing dead cells and killing any bacteria.
- Repair: Cells are building and repairing the damage using collagen.
- Maturation: Collagen is reorganized and water is reabsorbed while the scar tissue forms.
How to Help Your Dog Recover
Check your dog's wound at least twice a day to ensure that infection does not set in and that healing is proceeding normally. 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.
