How to Care for an Old Dog With Bed Sores

As your dog gets older and reduced mobility sets in, he is likely to spend more time in his bed. If the dog has arthritis or other painful conditions, it is common for him to prefer to lie in one position to others, and this could lead to the formation of bedsores. Dogs that require a long period of bed rest after illness or injury are also susceptible to the sores. Bedsores are caused by the pressure of the dog̵7;s body weight on the flesh beneath it, which can be greater than the pressure of the blood flow, leading to damage to the tissue.

  1. Medicines

    • Always consult an experienced veterinarian regarding the health and treatment of your pet. The veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics for the dog to reduce or prevent secondary infection of the sores, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation and painkillers to relieve his discomfort. She may also recommend ointments and other topical medicines for application to promote healing.

    Soft Bed

    • Provide the dog with a soft bed, positioned out of the way of drafts and in a quiet corner where the dog is out of the general traffic areas, but remains part of the household. The bed should have substantial cushioning using a substance such as foam rubber, which is resilient and smooth. Commercial dog beds often come with pillows filled with cellulose that can become unevenly distributed, causing uncomfortable lumps and hollows. Cover the foam rubber with a water-resistant bed pad to absorb any accidents, followed by a layer of natural sheepskin, used widely in the medical profession for patients confined to bed.

    Hygiene

    • Keeping the dog clean is critical to reduce the incidence and discomfort of bedsores. A dog that has limited or no mobility may soil himself. If urine and feces remain in contact with the skin for any longer than a few minutes, they can scald the dog and cause serious infections. Keep the bedding clean, irrigate the sores daily using a warm saline solution, and dry them by gently placing a pad of clean paper towels over them to absorb the moisture. Your veterinarian may recommend dressing the wounds, depending on the severity of the sores.

    Movement

    • Turn the dog every two to three hours to relieve the pressure on the areas of the sores. Avoid sliding the dog into position for the turn, as this may cause friction that can result in new sores. If the dog is able to move, get him to stand up and lie down again on his other side instead of turning him onto his back, which could cause him pain. If he is unable to stand, use the sheepskin to help turn the dog, or get someone to assist you. Turn him as gently as possible, and use padding or a cushion to provide support between body parts such as his front legs.