Why you should know how to treat minor pet wounds at home – 5 simple ways to keep your pet safe and healthy
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Like humans, pets can experience minor wounds, occasional cuts, or abrasions. As dogs are more exuberant and playful than felines, they get more injuries. Since every injury does not require veterinary attention, learning minor pet wound treatment at home is helpful. We have put together some simple techniques to treat minor pet wounds at home.
Be Prepared For An Emergency
- Knowing pet emergencies and a first aid kit can be handy when your pet gets injured. First aid kits can be purchased or created at home by including all the essential items.
Here is how you can make a first aid kit by following the AVMA list of pet first aid supplies.
- Sterile bandages
- Clean towels
- Bandage scissors
- Cleansing solution
- Antibacterial ointment for pets
- Tweezers
- Spray bottle
- Elastic wrapping
First Aid- Treating Minor Pet Wounds
- Before administering first aid, have someone assist you in restraining the pet. This will help you treat the wound efficiently and quickly. However, if no one is around, use a muzzle. Pain can cause even a non-aggressive pet to react. It is better to practice putting a muzzle on your pet a few times before an injury occurs.
This allows your pet to get used to the process and helps decrease his distress when you treat the wound. In addition, keeping your pet stable while you dress the wound will help you avoid scratches and bites. Here is how you can treat a minor pet wound:
Control The Bleeding
- Use a clean towel to apply gentle pressure over the wound to stop the bleeding. However, if the bleeding is profuse, better visit the veterinary emergency hospital. Uncontrollable bleeding indicates a severe wound requiring professional attention.
Clean The Wound
- Even if the wound is minor, it may harbor bacteria that cause infection. This is especially true for puncture wounds such as bite wounds. Clean and bandage the wound. Put clean water in a spray bottle. Next, spray it on the wound to clean any dirt and debris.
Look for objects or debris that may be lodged in the wound. This is especially important for paw wounds as they may have stepped on something sharp that caused the wound. If you can easily remove the object with tweezers, do so gently. If the object is lodged deeply, leave it and immediately call your veterinarian or an emergency vet.
Remove Foreign Objects
- It is common to have foreign objects or debris lodged in the wound. Look closely; if you see fragments of glass, thorns, splinters, etc., remove them carefully with tweezers. Use a magnifying glass to be more precise.
Disinfect The Wound
- Dilute betadine, chlorhexidine, or other cleaners should be used to disinfect the wound. These disinfecting cleansers are included in a first aid kit. Clean the injured area with disinfectant. Never use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide for cleaning the wound, as they could lead to tissue damage and delay wound healing.
Cover Up The Wound
Use a piece of sterile gauze to cover up the wound after applying a small amount of antibacterial ointment. Hold the bandage in place with elastic tape. To prevent pets from licking and biting their bandage, use an e-collar. Bacteria can transfer from a pet’s mouth into the wound and lead to severe infection.
Therefore, it is better to use an e-collar. Reward your pet with a treat after finishing the first aid. Replace the old bandage with a new one after 24 hours. If you don’t know how to give first aid or are unsure of the wound’s depth, consult a veterinarian.
Keep your pets safe and reduce pain by giving them the veterinary attention they need. Autumn Trails and Veterinary Center provides you with the best urgent care services. We offer our veterinary services in the city of Charlottesville, VA. To book an appointment, contact us on our number 434-971-9800.
