Assess the Wound
The first step when dealing with a wound on your dog is to assess the injury. Look at the location of the wound and take note of the size and depth. Check to see if there is any active bleeding. Also look for signs of swelling, redness, pus, or discharge, which could indicate infection. Gently press around the wound to check for pain or heat, which may suggest inflammation. Be very careful when examining facial wounds as this area is sensitive. Try to determine how the injury occurred as bite wounds require extra care. Knowing details about the wound will help you properly clean and dress it.
According to Bond Vet, key things to look for when assessing a wound include bleeding, depth, cleanliness, swelling, redness, and discharge. The source recommends taking pictures of the wound from multiple angles to monitor progress during healing. Always handle facial wounds very gently.
Stop the bleeding
To stop bleeding from a wound on your dog, it is important to apply pressure directly on the wound. Use a clean towel or piece of cloth to apply firm but gentle pressure continuously for 10-15 minutes. This will help the blood clot and stop further bleeding. As noted by VCA Animal Hospitals, “To control bleeding, apply pressure to the wound with a clean towel. Minor tears will stop bleeding in a matter of minutes, but deeper wounds take longer to stop bleeding.”
If possible, you can also elevate the wound above the level of the heart. This will use gravity to reduce blood flow to the area. However, do not elevate the wound if you suspect a broken bone. Simply apply steady pressure on the wound until bleeding stops.
Clean the wound
It’s important to properly clean any wound on your dog to help prevent infection. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide, which can damage healthy tissue. Instead, use a saline (salt water) solution or plain clean water to gently flush away debris and dirt from the wound. The VCA Animal Hospitals recommend gently massaging the skin around the wound as you flush it to help open the wound and promote drainage of any pus or discharge.
After flushing, pat the area dry softly with a clean towel or gauze pad. Be very gentle, avoiding rubbing or scrubbing the wound. Too much friction can further damage the tissue. Allow the area to fully air dry if possible. Proper cleaning prepares the wound for dressing and healing.
Source: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/care-of-open-wounds-in-dogs
Apply antibiotic ointment
Applying a small amount of antibiotic ointment like Neosporin can help prevent infection in minor wounds. As noted in an article by the American Kennel Club, “Neosporin is generally safe for dogs when used properly” (source). The key is to only use a very thin layer on superficial wounds and to prevent your dog from licking it off. Too much ointment or letting your dog lick it can cause stomach upset. According to an article from Trupanion, “a small amount won’t hurt your dog if they manage to lick it before it’s absorbed into their skin” (source). So apply just enough to coat the wound and don’t let your dog lick the area until it has a chance to soak in. Antibiotic ointment helps prevent bacterial infection while allowing the wound to heal.
Bandage the wound
After cleaning the wound, you’ll need to properly bandage it. Be sure to use a self-adherent wrap that sticks to itself and not to the dog’s fur or skin. This will help keep the bandage secure without irritating the wound. Wrap the bandage snugly but not too tight, as you don’t want to restrict circulation. The bandage should cover the wound completely and extend at least 2 inches past the edges of the wound. Change the bandage daily to keep the wound clean.
According to MedVet, “Bandaging allows wounds to remain clean and moist in an ideal protected environment for healing.” They recommend using rolls of conforming stretch bandage material like Vetrap to properly bandage wounds on dogs. When wrapping the bandage, always wrap downwards towards the paw to avoid restricting circulation. Be sure to leave the toes exposed so you can monitor swelling or discoloration.1
It’s important to change the bandage daily, as VCA Hospitals notes, to prevent infection or additional contamination. Gently clean the wound again when changing the bandage. Signs that the bandage needs immediate changing include odor, discharge, or bleeding that has soaked through. Keeping the wound clean and protected with fresh bandages will promote healing.
Consider a cone
A plastic cone collar, often referred to as an Elizabethan collar, is commonly recommended after surgery or injuries to prevent your dog from licking or biting the wound site while it heals. As noted by Pawsandmorevet, “Dog cones prevent pets from interfering with the healing process…by making it impossible for them to reach their wounds” (https://pawsandmorevet.com.au/dog-cone-after-surgery/).
To ensure proper fit, the cone should extend 1-2 inches past your dog’s nose so they cannot reach the wound (https://www.northtownvethospital.com/keep-the-cone-on/). It is critical to monitor your dog closely with the cone on to ensure they are tolerating it well and that it stays in the proper position.
Give pain medication
Giving your dog pain medication can help reduce discomfort caused by the wound. When administering medication, be sure to follow the dosage guidelines provided by your veterinarian or on the medication packaging. NSAIDs like meloxicam, deracoxib, or carprofen are commonly prescribed for pain relief in dogs (Source).
Pain medication should only be used for a short term to help your dog heal. Long-term use can lead to side effects like kidney, liver, or digestive problems. Consult your vet if pain persists beyond a few days of medication (Source). With proper dosage, pain medication can provide your dog much needed relief as their wound heals.
Watch for complications
It’s important to monitor the wound for any signs of complications. Persistent bleeding, pus, or redness around the wound can be signs of an infection. Loss of appetite or lethargy can also be concerning.
According to the Bond Vet article, “Signs of infection: redness, swelling, excessive pain, red streaking in the skin, pus or excessive drainage, bad odors, discoloration, etc.” [1]
If you notice any of these signs or are concerned about your dog’s condition, it’s best to take them to the vet for evaluation and treatment. An infected wound can worsen quickly if left untreated. Don’t hesitate to have a veterinarian assess the wound if you suspect complications are developing.
Allow Wound to Heal
It’s important to allow the wound adequate time to heal. This process can take anywhere from days to weeks depending on the severity and location of the wound. Keeping the wound clean and protected is key.
Change the bandage daily, checking for signs of infection like redness, swelling, discharge or odor. Avoid getting the wound wet. Limit your dog’s activity to prevent re-injury and allow healing. Restrict access to the wound with an Elizabethan collar if necessary.
According to the article on Wound Healing, the wound healing process has several stages. Inflammation begins immediately as the body works to stop bleeding. Next is debridement as damaged tissue is removed. The repair stage involves new tissue and blood vessels growing. Finally the maturation stage can take weeks as collagen rebuild strength. Proper care allows this natural healing process to occur.
When to see the vet
There are certain situations when a wound on your dog requires immediate veterinary attention. These include:
Deep puncture wounds – These types of injuries are prone to becoming infected since they can trap bacteria deep inside the tissue. Puncture wounds should always be evaluated by your vet.
Signs of infection – Redness, swelling, discharge, foul odor, and fever can indicate infection is present. Infected wounds need medical treatment with antibiotics and wound care.
Large open wounds – Wide gashes or wounds with significant exposed tissue need suturing and bandaging by a veterinarian to heal properly. Attempting to close them at home could lead to improper healing.
Facial wounds – Injuries on a dog’s face, especially near the eyes, nose, or mouth, are sensitive areas that require veterinary attention. Facial wounds can damage delicate structures.
If your dog has any type of deep, infected, widely open, or facial wound, don’t hesitate to call your vet or visit an emergency animal hospital if after hours. Serious wounds always warrant professional medical attention.
