Dogs have a skill for getting problems, and their actions may quickly create someone injury. Accidents are inescapable. As a result, it’s valuable for dog owners to understand how to clean and treat their pets’ minor scratches and cuts at home. You should also learn when to bring in a vet to help.
Vital Tips on Treating a Wounded Dog
While these traits make dogs charming to their fur parents, they can also create injury if the dog isn’t properly watched. These can range from moderate to highly severe and even life-threatening. How do you tell them apart? When is it time to go to a vet, and when can you manage a wound at home? The following are some vital pointers for examining injuries and treating them.
Muzzle Your Dog
While you undoubtedly wish to help a dog that is fearful, troubled, or in pain, there is always the risk that the dog will bite. Due to the risk of more injury is strongly encouraged to muzzle your injured dog before providing emergency treatment. If you want your pet comfortable with having a muzzle put on them in case they sustain an injury, practicing placing a muzzle on them in advance is the simplest means to achieve this. Help minimize your dog’s suffering by doing this.
Furthermore, ensure that your dog is up to date on all dog vaccinations so that they are safeguarded against any bacteria or infections they might pick up with the wound.
Control the Bleeding
Stopping external bleeding is priority number one in avoiding blood loss, which can accelerate heart rate and reduce blood pressure. Extreme blood loss over a long time could harm or kill essential organs. To stop bleeding immediately (within five to ten minutes), wrap the incision in a tiny towel and apply consistent pressure.
If you’re incapable of stopping the bleeding by yourself, now is the moment to make sure you have the number of a trusted veterinary emergency facility like Poway animal emergency available.
Disinfect Using Betadine
When diluted, betadine is an excellent disinfectant to have on hand in case of an emergency. Chlorhexidine, in a dilution, is a perfect substitute for betadine. Hydrogen peroxide kills skin cells and hinders the healing process, so it’s not a good idea to use it to clean the wound.
Spread a small amount of triple antibiotic ointment on the cut after you’ve washed and sterilized it. To stop infection, spray some disinfectant into the injury if a bite causes it. Consult your vet since bite injuries usually develop secondary infections. If the damage is severe, dog cold laser therapy may be necessary to alleviate your pet’s pain.
Bandage the Wound
A small amount of antibiotic ointment, if you have any on hand, may be put on the injury before sterile gauze or one more bandage is applied. Do not use any products that include hydrocortisone or any other corticosteroids. A self-adhering stretchable application can be used to secure the gauze.
Final Thoughts
If your dog ever receives an injury, this guide should be a helpful resource for you. It is essential to remember that after providing first aid to your pet, you need to take it to the vet right afterward. No amount of first aid replaces vet attention, but it could buy your pet some time.
