Sometimes our dog get wounded from a fight with another dog or accidents at home, giving treatment for dogs wound is similar in treating a human wound but with some exceptions along the way in handling a dog wound.
Minor body wound and grazes: Allow the dog lick and cleanse the area, but do not allow other companion animals do not lick the wound. This can be prevented by distracting the dog and by bandaging. For certain wounds, and where bandaging is difficult, it may be necessary to apply a wide collar (Elizabethan collar) around the dog’s neck to prevent it from licking at the wound and if necessary, provide one that will fit the size of your dog. Elizabethan collar will 100% prevent your dog from licking the wound. Before you start the treatment of the wound, clip the hair around the wound so that it will be easy to treat, once you are done clipping, you can cleanse the wound by using a diluted antiseptic solution such as povidone- iodine, and topical antibiotic if necessary or if your veterinarian recommends it.
Severe body wounds: You will know a severe wound just by observing the color of the blood oozing from the wound, seeping dark blood indicates that a wound reached to its veins and you must take note that veins are somehow located deeper, which means the wound is severe. Clip the wounded area and clean it using antiseptic solution then, apply a pad of lint wool, cover with a layer of damp cotton wool, and bandage with cotton bandage or crepe bandage. Be careful not to apply the bandage too tightly and don’t forget to give Elizabethan collar. Check the wound every 4 hours for any swelling below the bandage. Replace the bandage daily, dress the wound and apply antiseptic ointment or spray and topical antibiotic, re-bandage until healing takes place. Use a woven tubular bandage (Tubigauze) will help the bandages in place.
Minor and severe body wounds can be treated at home if you are confident enough and you know what to do, but if you have any doubt, you can always call your veterinarian to give you a lift.