How to Bandage a Bull Mastiff's Sprained Foot

Bull mastiffs are active dogs, particularly when they are puppies. Through running and playing, a bull mastiff can easily sprain a leg. Symptoms of such a sprain, may be no more than a slight limp, but the dog may also be in considerable pain and vocalize loudly. Your Bull mastiff may also walk on three legs, with the affected limb, hanging at his side. Bull mastiffs are a large dog breed, so do not allow your animal to become overweight, as obesity puts strain on the joints. Fortunately, a bull mastiff's owner can apply a bandage, should the dog sprain a leg.

Things You'll Need

  • Ice pack
  • Towel or cloth
  • Clean, non-stick pad
  • Gauze bandage
  • Adhesive tape
  • Two flat sticks -- optional for splint
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Instructions

    • 1

      Calm the dog if it responds to your voice and confine it to as level and restricted an area as possible. Taking the bull mastiff indoors is the best option.

    • 2

      Place ice in a towel or cloth and apply this pack to the affected area. Make sure that your dog will allow you to touch or manipulate his leg before kneeling and placing your face close to the animal's head. Your mastiff may bite, if he is experiencing severe pain.

    • 3

      Place a clean, non-stick pad over the sprain.

    • 4

      Place the end of a gauze bandage over the pad and begin to wrap the gauze around the limb. Wrap the bandage so that progressively less of the non-stick pad remains after each turn.

    • 5

      Wrap one layer of adhesive tape around the gauze bandage, to secure it in place.

    • 6

      Test the bandage for pressure, by trying to place a finger beneath it. This bandage needs to be fairly tight, but not so tight that it begins to restrict blood flow in the affected limb.

    • 7

      Use an adhesive tape to continue to wrap the bandage. Extend this adhesive tape beyond the existing bandage and onto the bull mastiff's fur, in order to secure the entire bandage to the leg.

    • 8

      Place a flat stick on either side of the dog's leg, to create a splint. Use adhesive tape to secure the splints to the bandaging. The large femur and humerus bones should not receive splints, which also work better on your mastiff's front legs.