First, you must clean the wound. If there is blood, make sure to clean it with a lukewarm saline solution. Discharge and debris can be cleaned using clean cloths. Repeat these procedures at least two times a day until the wound has healed. Afterwards, the wound must be kept dry and clean. Do not let your pet swim or bathe while the wound is open. It is better to keep it indoors if possible.
If you notice that your dog is licking the wound, you need to prevent it from happening. Licking the wound can aggravate the healing process, as the friction from licking the wound
exacerbates the infection process. To prevent your pet from licking the wound, you can use an E-collar or Elizabethan collar. This collar will prevent your pet from touching the wound while it heals.
Small wounds that are easy to clean and cover with bandages can heal very quickly. Using sutures is an ideal choice for these small wounds because the resulting scar tissue is minimal. Some wounds cannot be closed with sutures, but you can use surgical adhesive. This is similar to super glue. Using surgical adhesive is also a good option. After your dog has had its wound cleaned, the doctor can place the bandage.
Initially, you can clean the wound with a syringe or a kitchen baster. A syringe or a kitchen baster is a good option to use. The aim is to clean the wound to prevent bacteria, germs, and debris from coming into the dog’s body. Once this is done, you can apply a sterile dressing, which will stop the bleeding. If it does not stop bleeding within ten minutes, you must bring it to the veterinarian.
Once the wound is closed, it should be checked for infection and swelling. In case of pain, give benadryl or a warm compress. If the dog is uncomfortable, ask them what they need to do. Hopefully, they will tell you what they need. And, if they are afraid to lick you, give them a treat. This will keep them calm and help them heal faster.
In addition to sterile bandages, you can also use herbal teas as a soothing rinse. You can use a dried or fresh herbal tea, such as Chamomile or St. John’s Wort. To prepare these, take 2 teaspoons of the herb into a cup of boiling water and allow it to steep for the recommended time. Remember to avoid the hot mixture as this will burn your dog and delay healing.
After washing the wound with lukewarm water, pet owners should apply a triple antibiotic ointment to help kill bacteria and prevent an infection. If your pet has an open wound, keep your dog from romping around the backyard for a while. This can increase the chance of infection, so err on the side of caution. If you are unsure of the wound’s health, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Sawyer