Not every cut or scrape your dog gets will require veterinary intervention, so it's important to know how to care for your dog's wounds at home. In this blog post, our vets in Hermitage offer tips on how to do so.
Dog Wounds
Even the most easygoing and relaxed dog could experience an accident that results in a cut, scrape, or other injury requiring first aid.
Some wounds that may appear small can lead to serious infections, so if you are unsure about whether you should take your dog to the vet, it's always best to play it safe.
Taking your canine companion to the vet for a wound as soon as it occurs could prevent your dog from experiencing a lot of pain and save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
Wounds That Require Veterinary Care
While some dog wounds may be cared for by pet parents, some may be classified as a veterinary emergency and should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Wounds that require emergency 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 (like a piece of glass or nail)
- Wounds caused by a car accident or other trauma
- Injuries around the eyes, or head, or that lead to breathing problems
Putting Together Your Canine First Aid Kit
A pet first aid kit and a little know-how can be helpful if your dog has a minor injury. Below are a few things you should always have on hand in case your dog gets hurt.
- Muzzle
- 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
Providing First Aid to Your Pup
Wounds should be cleaned and cared for as soon as possible to avoid infections. Before starting to give your dog first aid, having someone help you restain your pup and be generally supportive is best.
If you are unsure about what to do or whether your pet needs veterinary care, remember that when it comes to your animal's health, it is always better to err on the side of caution. When in doubt, contact your vet or an emergency vet immediately.
Place a Muzzle on Your Dog
A scared, anxious, or hurt dog may bite while you are trying to help, which is you may want to muzzle your injured dog before beginning first aid treatment. It's a good idea to practice putting a muzzle on your dog before an injury arises so that your dog is used to the process and how the muzzle feels. This will help prevent adding to your pup's distress.
Check For Foreign Objects Lodged in The Wound
Look for objects or debris that may be lodged in the wound. This is especially important if the wound is on your dog's paw pad and they may have stepped on something sharp. If you can remove the object with tweezers easily, do so gently. If the object is lodged deeply, leave it and immediately call your vet or an emergency animal hospital.
Clean your Dog's Wound
If the wound is on your dog's paw, you could swish the injured paw around in a clean bowl or bucket of warm water to help rinse out any dirt and debris. If the wound is elsewhere on your dog's body, you can place your dog in a sink, bath, or shower and gently run clean water over the wound. You may want to 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. These can be painful or even cause the wound to take longer to heal.
Control The Bleeding
Provided that nothing is stuck in the wound, apply pressure using a clean towel. While most small wounds will stop bleeding within a few minutes, larger wounds will likely take longer. Bleeding should stop within 10 minutes of applying pressure. If your dog is still bleeding after that time, contact your vet or emergency animal hospital right away.
Bandage Your Dog's Wound
If you have antibacterial ointment on hand, you may want to apply a small amount to the area before covering the wound with sterile gauze or another bandage. Avoid using products that contain hydrocortisone or other corticosteroids. Use a self-adhesive elastic bandage to hold the gauze in place.
Prevent Your Dog From Licking The Area
If your pup is trying to lick the wound, having your dog wear an e-collar may be necessary.
Ongoing Care
Monitor your pup's wound at least twice a day to ensure that infection doesn't set in and healing is proceeding as expected. Clean the wound with water or a pet-safe antiseptic solution twice a day, and contact your vet as soon as possible if the wound becomes inflamed and 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 immediately.
Stages Of Wound Healing in Dogs
Your veterinarian can provide specific information you need to know as your dog recovers. You may also find helpful images online as a reference for what normal healing stages should look like. If you search for "dog wound healing stages - pictures," be aware that it may include graphic images of wounds and stages of healing. Only proceed if you are prepared to see such images.
Inflammation (Starts right away)
The first healing phase controls bleeding and activates the immune system. Without going into too much detail, blood clots form, and blood vessels constrict to limit blood loss in the wound area.
Debridement (Starts in a couple hours)
Wound fluid, dead tissue, and immunologic cells form pus, which is designed to flow as a liquid from the wound and carry debris. The cells that were called to the wound in the inflammation phase are now actively working on consuming dead tissue and cleansing the area.
Repair (Starts within a few days)
Collagen begins to fill in the wound to bind the torn tissue together. This will take a couple of weeks to complete. New blood vessels begin to grow into the area from the uninjured blood vessels nearby. The wound edge begins to produce “granulation tissue,” the moist pink tissue that ultimately fills the wound.
Maturation (Starts in 2-3 weeks and can take months to years)
The final scarring phase can form once a significant amount of collagen has been deposited. The scar becomes stronger and stronger over time as new blood vessels and nerves grow in and the tissue reorganizes. The final result will never be as strong as un-injured tissue but should ultimately achieve approximately 80% of the original strength.
How Cold Laser Therapy Can Help Encourage Wound Healing in Dogs
Cold laser therapy (also referred to as low-level therapy or Class IV laser therapy) is becoming more widely used to help pets recover from wounds and other injuries and illnesses.
This non-invasive, drug-free treatment is often used to encourage wound healing and treat inflammatory conditions in dogs. Cold laser therapy promotes circulation and encourages cell regeneration.
During a typical cold laser therapy session, the vet waves a handheld laser wand back and forth over injured tissue, producing a pleasant sensation that many dogs find soothing or relaxing.
Your dog should not experience pain as long as the veterinarian performing the treatment is well-trained and experienced in correctly administering cold laser therapy.
Our veterinary team at Hermitage Animal Clinic is always happy to address any questions or concerns about treatment options. After assessing your dog's specific needs, your vet can recommend the most suitable treatment for wounds or other conditions.
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.