Accidents can happen. At some point in their life, a dog's excitable and curious nature can result in cuts, stabs, and cuts. Cleaning the wound properly at home can help your dog heal as well as give you a little time if you can't take him to the vet right away. Proper cleaning of the wound will prevent infection and help the vet determine the actual severity of the injury to the dog.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Stopping the Bleeding
Step 1. Calm the dog
Once you notice your dog has an injury, control his reaction and try to calm him down if he panics. Calm the dog by gently stroking his body and speaking in a low, soothing tone. Even if you're anxious, make sure to stay calm. Dogs can read body language and recognize your voice, so they will follow your behavior and actions.
Step 2. Attach the muzzle if necessary
You should also pay attention to your own safety when handling injured animals. Even if your dog is usually sweet and affectionate, he may throw a tantrum to protect himself from further pain. Put a muzzle on your dog if you are concerned about your own safety, such as if he starts clawing or hitting at you, or if he has bitten when he was frightened.
- If you don't have a muzzle, wrap a leash or harness around the dog's mouth.
- If the dog's behavior is too dangerous, stop and take him to the vet immediately in the safest way possible.
- Protect yourself by wrapping a blanket or towel around your dog before taking him to the veterinary hospital.
Step 3. Treat the bleeding that occurs
While hygiene is important, stopping the bleeding as soon as possible is even more important. If blood appears to be gushing from within the wound, there may be an injury to the dog's artery, which is very dangerous. Blood gushing out should be taken seriously.
- Use a clean, absorbent material such as a towel, washcloth, T-shirt, bandage, or even a sanitary napkin to apply direct pressure to the wound.
- Continue to apply pressure to the wound for 3-5 minutes before checking to see if the bleeding has stopped. If the pressure is stopped frequently, the blood clotting process will be disrupted and slowed down.
Step 4. Only use a tourniquet if necessary and as directed by your doctor
A tourniquet is a last resort to control bleeding. Improper use of tourniquets can cause complications and lead to tissue death. If the circulation is cut off, your pet may even have to be amputated. If you are not trained to apply a tourniquet to your dog, contact your veterinarian for guidance and observe the following general guidelines:
- Place towels or pads around the dog's body (but not around the neck, chest, or stomach).
- Use a rope or belt to hold it in place. Towels or dressings should be placed over the surface of the wound, toward the dog's body.
- Leave it for no more than 5-10 minutes, then release the pressure to prevent permanent injury to that part of the body.
- Press firmly enough to slow or stop the bleeding, but not to damage the muscles and soft tissues.
- Applying a tourniquet should not be painful for the pet.
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning Wounds
Step 1. Trim the hair around the wound with an electric shaver
After controlling the bleeding, you can start cleaning the wound. If your dog's coat is long enough, you may need to trim it, but be sure to do it safely. If you don't have a razor, use blunt scissors to shorten your dog's hair, but don't try to cut through the skin, as you risk further injury to the dog. Cleaning your dog's fur will make the wound more visible, and will prevent dirt from the fur or hair irritation from getting into an open wound.
Step 2. Clean the wound with warm salt water
Add 2 teaspoons of sea salt to 1 cup of tap water and stir until dissolved. Fill the solution into a syringe (without the needle) or a spray bottle, then gently spray it over the wound until it's clean. The wound tissue should look clean and shiny before you stop sprinkling the saline solution.
- Pour water directly onto the wound, if you don't have a spray bottle or syringe.
- If the sore is on the dog's paw, soak it in a bowl, grill pan, or small bucket for 3-5 minutes. Prepare a towel to dry it.
Step 3. Disinfect the wound
Dilute Betadine (povidin iodine) or Nolvasan (chlorhexidine) in warm water. Use this solution as a final rinse or soak. You can also use this solution instead of salt water the first time you clean the wound.
Step 4. Dry the wound
A sterile bandage is ideal, but any clean, absorbent material will work. Do not rub or rub the wound. Just pat gently so the pain or injury doesn't get worse.
Step 5. Use an antibiotic cream or spray that is safe for humans
Note that the spray may frighten the dog, and it may sting a little. However, don't use creams and ointments if you have other options, as these can trap dirt in the wound. Furthermore, the dog may also lick it, so only use creams and ointments if you can protect it from dog nuisance. For example, by putting a protective bandage or putting a neck protector on the dog.
- Be careful not to get the spray medication into the dog's eyes.
- Only use antibiotic cream. Do not use ointments that contain steroids such as hydrocortisone or betamethasone, as these can interfere with the wound healing process.
- Do not use antifungal creams (ketoconazole, cotrimazole) unless recommended by a veterinarian.
- If you have any questions about the drug, contact your pharmacist or veterinarian before using it.
Step 6. Check the wound daily
If you see any signs of infection, take your dog to the vet immediately. Signs of infection include a bad odor, or a yellow, green, or gray discharge.
Part 3 of 3: Seek Professional Veterinary Help
Step 1. Do not delay your vet's check-up if your dog has an eye injury
Injuries or injuries to the eye are at risk of causing permanent vision damage. Take the dog immediately for a veterinary examination and treatment to increase his chances of recovery.
Step 2. Take the dog to the vet for stitches if the wound is deep enough
If your dog's wound seems severe, and won't heal on its own, seek veterinary help. All cuts that penetrate the skin into the muscles, tendons, or fat should be examined by a veterinarian. After examining the wound, your vet may suggest stitches to make it heal faster.
Step 3. Seek veterinary help if the wound is caused by a bite
Bite wounds usually cause severe damage to the dog's body tissues. This can make wound healing difficult, as a result of which the bite wound must be cleaned and drained under anesthesia by a doctor. Animals' mouths are full of bacteria, so even if they look minor, bite wounds are at risk of causing infection.
Step 4. Ask the vet to clean or remove dead tissue if necessary
If your dog's wound is filled with fluid and isn't healing well, ask your veterinarian whether the wound needs cleaning. Debridement is the removal of damaged or infected tissue around the wound. Both of these measures must be performed under the influence of anesthesia by a doctor.
Step 5. Ask your doctor for systemic antibiotics
This medication can treat or prevent infections that are preventing healing. The vet will examine the wound, determine if there are signs of infection and discuss using antibiotics with you if necessary.
Warning
- Take your dog to the vet if the wound is deep, wide, or bleeding a lot.
- Take your dog to the vet if the wound becomes infected.
