How to Keep a Bandage on My Dogs Tail

Keeping a bandage on a dog's tail is a difficult task, but not impossible. The method you use depends on the type of injury and how the vet has treated it. Your veterinarian will guide you on how to treat the wound, telling you whether it should be wrapped completely or requires air to heal. Your job is to keep the dog from licking, chewing or wagging the bandage off. That's the tough part.

Things You'll Need

  • Clippers
  • Medical tape
  • Gauze roll
  • Vet wrap
  • Pipe insulation or sanitary pad
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Instructions

    • 1

      Consult your vet to determine the extent of the injury, the treatment required and the type of bandage needed. Your vet will trim the hair around the wound with clippers. This will make it easier to clean and treat the wound before bandaging it, and to evaluate the healing process afterward.

    • 2

      Clean the injury with a mild soap or a medical scrub such as betadine, after the period of time your vet recommends. Pat the area dry, being careful not to rub it. If the wound is bleeding a bit after removing the vet's bandage, apply pressure just until the bleeding stops. Apply an antibiotic ointment or medication provided by your vet. If the dog has stitches, your vet may direct you not to use any topical medication.

    • 3

      Wrap the tail loosely with gauze, starting at the upper end. Do not wrap tightly, or you can cut off the blood supply. Hold the gauze in place for the next step. Have another person help hold the dog still, if possible.

    • 4

      Place the pipe insulation or sanitary pad lengthwise around the tail. Use vet wrap, which sticks to itself, or medical tape to wrap the insulation or pad. Leave several inches of the covering unwrapped at the end of the tail, so air can get to the area.

    • 5

      Wrap the end of the bandage over the insulation or pad closest to the dog's body, using medical tape. Run the tape from the bandage to the dog's fur, to keep it from sliding off.

    • 6