Caring for a dog’s wounds can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Dogs love to play outside, but sometimes injuries happen. Dogs can easily trip on objects or fight with other pets resulting in cuts, scrapes, or open wounds to their paws and body. As pet owners, seeing our pups in pain from bruises hurts. Open wounds can lead to infection and other harmful skin conditions without proper treatment. In this article, HICC PET™ provides a detailed guide to dog wound care, so you can help your pet heal quickly and safely.
Signs That Your Dog Has a Wound
The first step to wound care for dogs is recognizing the signs of an injury:
Some common symptoms of skin damage include:
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Redness
- Crusty or scabbed skin
- Discharge from the wound
- Pain or discomfort
- Limping
- Visible scraps or missing skin
If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to examine your pet closely to determine the injury’s source and the wound’s severity.
Types of Dog Wounds
Once you’ve identified the signs of a wound, it’s important to determine the type of injury your pet has so you can provide the right kind of care. Some common types of injuries dogs suffer include:
- Scrapes or abrasions
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Hot Spots
- Burns
It’s important to note that some wounds can be more severe than others and may require veterinary assistance.
How to Properly Clean and Treat Dog Wounds
Once you’ve identified the type of wound your pet has, it’s time to clean and treat it. The steps for cleaning and treating a dog wound vary depending on the type of wound, but some general guidelines include the following:
- Clean the wound with mild soap and warm water.
- Gently pat the wound dry with a clean cloth.
- Apply an antibacterial wound care spray for dogs.
- Cover the wound with a bandage or allow it to air-dry based on instructions.
- Monitor the wound and consistently apply the wound care spray.
- Change or apply a bandage if necessary.
When caring for dog wounds, It’s essential to keep the injury clean and free of debris to prevent infection. The best action is to use a vet-recommended wound care product for dogs.
