A dog with a deep wound should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. If it is not possible to get him to the vet within an hour or two or if the wound is not severe, wrap the dog's wound to keep it clean and stave off infection. Exercise caution when dealing with any wounded animal, even your own pet. A dog in extreme pain may try to bite when you touch the painful area.
Things You'll Need
- Muzzle or sock
- Clippers or sharp scissors
- Dog shampoo or very mild soap
- Clean soft towel
- Antibiotic ointment (preferably the type that also relieves pain)
- Sterile wound dressing pads or large adhesive bandage
- Gauze
- Vet wrap
- Elizabethan collar
Instructions
How to Wrap a Dog's Wound
Muzzle the dog before treating the wound. Use a long tube sock or pantyhose around the dog's muzzle if you don't have a store-bought one. Center the sock or stocking on the top of his muzzle and bring the two ends down to meet under jaw. Pull it snug but not so tight that it restricts his breathing. Tie it under his jaw then bring the two ends around the back of his head and tie them again. A store-bought muzzle is preferable but the sock or stocking helps in a pinch.
Clip the hair off around the wound carefully with clippers or sharp scissors. This allows you to get a good look at the wound to evaluate the severity of it and also provides a more sanitary environment.
Wash the wound gently with dog shampoo or a very mild soap and warm water. Rinse the area well. Make sure all the soap is rinsed off. Carefully pat the area dry with a soft absorbent towel.
Gently apply antibiotic ointment liberally to the wound and the surrounding area.
Apply a sterile wound dressing pad. Use a large square adhesive bandage with the adhesive strips cut off if you do not have any wound dressing pads.
Wrap the affected area with gauze over the sterile pad. Pull the gauze snug. Do not wrap it so tightly that it cuts off circulation, but snug enough to hold the pad in place.
Cover the gauze with a layer of vet wrap. Do not pull it too tight. Vet wrap will not loosen and you must be very cautious when you apply it. Wrap it snug, not tight.
Remove the muzzle.
Apply fresh antibiotic ointment and sterile pad twice a day, checking for any sign of infection each time.
Purchase an Elizabethan collar at a pet supply store or veterinarian office and put it on your dog if he chews at the bandage and wound. An Elizabethan collar is a plastic lampshade-shaped device that fastens around his neck and extends out past his muzzle. Purchase the proper size for your dog. It should extend past his nose far enough to keep him from reaching the wound with his mouth but not so far as to interfere with eating and drinking.