In most cases, the dog's shoulder will be bandaged by a veterinarian. However, in certain emergencies, such as when your dog is deeply injured or has a fractured shoulder, you may need to do this yourself until you can take him to the vet. If possible, contact your veterinarian first for instructions.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Bandaging a Dog's Shoulder with a Bleeding Wound
Step 1. Prepare your equipment
If your dog is deeply injured and is bleeding from his shoulder, you will need some basic equipment to bandage him properly. Ideally you should store these tools in a first aid kit:
- sterile gauze
- Cotton roll
- Micropore adhesive (3M micropore)
- Elastic Bandage
Step 2. Apply pressure
Press the wound with sterile gauze to slow the bleeding.
Step 3. Clean the wound
Wipe the injured area with a cotton swab to make it as clean as possible.
Step 4. Close the wound
Place new gauze over the wound. Use four to six layers of gauze, and make sure the entire wound is covered. Press again.
Step 5. Glue the gauze
Glue the gauze so that its position does not change, use a micropore adhesive.
If you don't have a micropore adhesive you can replace it with another adhesive. The most important thing is to glue the gauze so that its position does not change
Step 6. Begin the shoulder bandage
Use an elastic bandage, and start wrapping. Begin wrapping a bandage around the dog's chest, just after the shoulder. This dressing will act as a weight for the bandage.
Step 7. Wrap the bandage around the dog's shoulders several times
Hold the bandage and pass it up and around the shoulder a few times and cover the gauze. Apply enough pressure to stop the bleeding.
Step 8. Wrap around forelegs, chest, and shoulders
Continue wrapping the bandage around your dog, from the front paws, chest and shoulders.
Step 9. Tighten the bandage
Elastic bandages are usually equipped with a lock to maintain its position. Use this lock to keep the bandage in place.
Step 10. Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible
This guide is only meant to help you provide first aid if needed. If your dog has an internal wound that is bleeding, you should take him to the vet.
Method 2 of 2: Bandaging a Dog's Cracked Shoulder
Step 1. Make sure the fractured bone is in the shoulder
You should always visit your vet to have your dog checked for injuries, but in the meantime, check your dog's shoulder. If the bone is fractured, the shoulder will swell and hurt to the touch. Swelling and pain in the other leg indicates that the fracture is in a different location. In addition, your dog won't be able to use the leg to walk, as the movement will move the shoulder, causing the fracture or dislocation of the bone to move.
Step 2. Prepare your equipment
If your dog has a fractured or dislocated shoulder, you'll need some basic equipment to bandage it properly. Ideally, you should store these tools in a first aid kit:
- Big cotton roll
- Adhesive bandage
Step 3. Place the dog in a comfortable standing position
Try to calm your dog down and ask him to stand up. If possible, ask someone to help support the dog while you wrap the shoulder, this will reduce the load on the legs.
Step 4. Wrap with cotton
Take your cotton roll, and use it to wrap around the shoulders and front legs. Then place a cotton roll between the injured shoulder and the chest.
The number of cotton pads needed will depend on the dog's body size. Your main goal is to provide stability and prevent contact between the dog's shoulder and chest
Step 5. Bend the legs
Bend the dog's elbows and front paws. The shape will resemble the letter "Z".
Step 6. Begin to wrap the dog's shoulders
Wrap a self-adhesive bandage around the front leg toward the side of his chest, then over his shoulder. Then, work the bandage down the other side of the shoulder, across the chest, and back to the original front leg.
Step 7. Repeat several times
Repeat this movement, keeping your elbows in line with the soles of your feet.
Step 8. Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible
This guide is only intended to help you provide first aid if needed. If your dog has a fractured or dislocated bone, you will need to take him to the vet.
