How to Keep a Bandage on the Front Leg of Your Dog

When your dog has an injury, especially to its front leg or paw, it can be difficult to keep it from scratching and chewing at the bandage to get to the wound. Dogs instinctively want to lick wounds and also dislike anything foreign or restrictive on their bodies. No matter how well you or the vet wraps the wound, your dog may still be able to get it off, and often you will need the help of mechanical devices.

Things You'll Need

  • Elizabethan collar
  • Gauze
  • Bandage and cast protector
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Instructions

    • 1

      Get an Elizabethan collar from your vet. Elizabethan collars, better known as E-collars, are the most common method of preventing a dog from chewing, scratching or otherwise damaging a wound or cast. E-collars are cone-shaped plastic devices --- shaped like a megaphone --- that fit over the dog's head and are secured to its neck with gauze tape.

    • 2

      Slide the small end of the E-collar over the dog's head and secure it by looping a gauze strip through the holes in the collar, and tie the ends securely around the dog's neck.

    • 3

      Slip your fingers between the gauze tape and the dog's neck to be sure it's not tied too tight and choking the pooch, or loose enough the dog can wrangle it over its head if left to its own devices.

    • 4

      Purchase a dog cast protector. These devices are made of lightweight, waterproof, flexible fabric secured around the wound with adjustable Velcro. Protectors also have a boot made of abrasion-resistant material to protect paw wounds. These devices also help support the wounded leg.