Dogs have a talent for seeking hassle, and their adventures may quickly cause someone harm. Accidents are inevitable. Therefore, it’s practical for dog owners to understand how to clean and treat their pets’ minor scratches and cuts at home. You must additionally know when to bring in a vet to assist.
Vital Tips on Treating a Wounded Dog
While these attributes make dogs charming to their fur parents, they can also create harm if the dog isn’t correctly supervised. These can range from moderate to highly severe and even deadly. How do you tell them apart? When is it time to go to a vet, and when can you deal with a wound at home? The following are some necessary pointers for evaluating injuries and treating them.
Muzzle Your Dog
While you undoubtedly wish to help a dog that is frightened, uneasy, or suffering, there is always the danger that the dog will attack—because of the threat of further injury, muzzling your injured dog before emergency treatment is strongly encouraged. 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 ahead of time is the simplest method to achieve this. Help reduce your dog’s suffering by doing this.
On top of that, ensure that your dog is up to date on all their pet vaccinations to protect them against any bacteria or infections they might get through the wound.
Control the Bleeding
Stopping external bleeding is priority number one in avoiding blood loss, which can accelerate heart rate and lower blood pressure. Extreme blood loss over a long time may harm or kill vital organs. To stop bleeding immediately (within five to ten minutes), wrap the cut in a tiny towel and apply steady pressure.
If you’re unable to stop the bleeding by yourself, now is the moment to make sure you have the number of a reliable veterinary emergency facility like Poway emergency vet accessible.
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 alternative to betadine. Hydrogen peroxide kills skin cells and prevents the healing process, so it’s not an excellent idea to use it to clean the wound.
Spread a small amount of triple antibiotic ointment on the cut after you’ve cleaned and sterilized it. To avoid infection, spray some disinfectant into the injury if a bite causes it. Consult your veterinarian since bite injuries usually develop secondary infections. If the damage is severe, vet laser therapy might be needed to relieve your pet’s discomfort.
Bandage the Wound
A small amount of antibiotic ointment, if you have any on hand, could be put on the wound before sterile gauze or an additional plaster is used. Do not use any products that include hydrocortisone or any other corticosteroids. A self-adhering stretchable bandage can be used to protect the gauze.
Final Thoughts
If your dog ever sustains an injury, this guide should be a valuable source for you. It is essential to remember that after administering emergency treatment to your pet, you must take it to the vet right afterward. No amount of first aid replaces vet attention, but it could buy your pet some time.
