How to Bandage a Dog's Leg Above the Knee

Every pet owner should have some basic knowledge about emergency first aid care. Accidents happen, and the ability to clean a wound and wrap a bandage can make these accidents much more manageable. Keeping a first aid kit nearby when traveling can mean the difference between life and death for your dog and having the tools to apply a simple bandage to your dog's leg can stop bleeding or stabilize a break until a veterinarian can be reached.

Things You'll Need

  • Bottle of clean water
  • Disinfectant
  • Sterile pads
  • Roll of gauze
  • Splints
  • Roll of adhesive bandage
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the area of the injured leg. If the bandage is being applied over an open wound, rinse the wound with clean water to remove any dirt or debris, then clean it further with a disinfectant to kill bacteria and prevent infection. If help is available, have someone hold the dog and stretch the leg out to help calm the animal and take pressure off the injured leg.

    • 2

      Apply a non-stick, sterile pad to the wound. Because of the narrow build of most dogs' legs, it may be necessary to trim the pad so it will lie flat over the wound and comfortably fit in the area between the dog's body and knee.

    • 3

      Wrap the leg with soft cotton gauze. The leg should be wrapped firmly enough to apply pressure to the wound to help stop the bleeding, but not so tightly as to be uncomfortable. One way to judge how tightly the bandage is wrapped is by how far the gauze is stretched and how much it is layered. Overlap two-thirds of the bandage from above the sterile pad to below it. If this makes the bandage extend to the knee, keep the layer thin enough to allow for flexibility.

    • 4

      Stabilize the leg if the bone is broken. If the bandage is being applied to secure a fractured bone that has broken above the knee, the joint must also be included in the bandaging process to keep the bones from shifting. Use two pieces to splint the leg; anything that is the proper length can be used, including sturdy branches for larger dogs and pens for small dogs. The splint should not be positioned so it is pressing against the dog's belly; it should extend past the knee.

    • 5

      Wrap the leg with another layer of bandages, this time using the adhesive to secure the gauze and sterile pad in place. Wrap firmly but not with enough pressure to cause discomfort or more pain. If for a wound, this outer wrapping should extend over the same part of the leg as the gauze. If for a broken leg, wrap the adhesive bandage over the split at the top and bottom and over the joint. Even if the break is above the knee, the entire leg should be stabilized to prevent further injury.

    • 6

      Seek medical attention. A veterinarian will be able to set the leg properly for broken bones or determine whether or not stitches are needed. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent infection.