How to Clean a Gash on a Dog

If you're a dog owner, you may find yourself dealing with an injured dog. Before you attempt to clean your dog's wound, you'll need to stop any bleeding. While some cuts won't require a visit to the veterinarian, deep gashes will need immediate medical attention. If your dog becomes uncooperative, it may help to enlist the help of a family member to hold your dog still while you clean the wound. If you have a muzzle, this can also help to keep your dog from nipping at your hands.

Things You'll Need

  • Muzzle
  • Soap
  • Water
  • Sterile bandages
  • Scissors
  • Bulb syringe
  • Tweezers
  • Betadine
  • Lamp shade collar
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Instructions

    • 1
      Use gauze to control bleeding.

      Wash your hands with soap and water. Apply sterile gauze to the gash, using firm pressure. Add additional gauze to the wound if blood soaks through. If however, the bleeding continues after five minutes, take your dog to your veterinarian, advises Vetinfo.

    • 2
      Clean the wound area.

      Cut surrounding fur at the wound site once you control bleeding. Fill a bulb syringe with water. Flush the affected area with water to remove dirt and debris.

    • 3
      Try to remove any foreign material.

      Check for any embedded material, such as glass. Use tweezers to pick out any small pieces.

    • 4

      Disinfect the wound with betadine, which is an antimicrobial ointment. This will help prevent infection.

    • 5
      Attempt to limit your dog's licking at its wound.

      Bandage the clean wound with gauze. Ask your veterinarian to fit your dog with a lamp shade collar if it attempts to lick and remove bandages.