Advice for Tending to Wounds at Home from Your Vet
Does your dog have a wound? Small, simple wounds can easily be treated at home, but larger, more severe wounds would need a vet visit. These are somethings at home that you can do for your dog’s wounds and when you should take them to your vet.
What Can be Treated at Home?
Not all wounds and scrapes need to see a vet for treatment. Many small scratches and cute can easily be treated at home by cleaning these with soap and water and apply triple antibiotic cream at home. If your dog is not in any pain, topical at-home treatment can be started. Make sure that you keep these wounds clean and apply the cream twice a day to keep them from getting infected.
If you notice any discharge or your dog is in pain, it would be best for your vet to see your dog. They can prescribe them oral antibiotics to help these wounds and cuts heal even faster.
What Needs to be Taken to a Vet?
Some wounds just need to see a vet. If your dog has a laceration longer than 1 inch, they need to see your vet. Many times, these wounds or lacerations may need stitches. These are other issues where your dog would need to see your vet.
- A cut that will not stop bleeding. Your vet will be able to help control the bleeding. Some wounds may have cut a blood vessel that your vet will need to ligate to get to stop bleeding.
- A severe injury: If your dog has a big wound or is in pain, they will need to see your vet. They can start your dog on antibiotics and pain medication to help them heal faster and feel much better.
- Anything that looks infected: If your dog’s wounds look infected, they should see your vet. Signs are infection is discharge from the wound, a smell or redness. These all warrant a vet visit.
- A problem that makes it hard for your dog to move: If the wound is so severe that your dog cannot properly move, they should see your vet.
- Something that you do not understand how to fix: If you cannot figure out how to properly treat the wound at home, you need to see your vet. They can show you what you need to do to treat this wound and start your dog on any medication that they need.
- Red and puffy wounds: If your dog’s wound is red and puffy, it may need to see your vet. This could be an abscess forming under the skin and a common sign of an infection. Your vet would be able to help you treat this wound and get your dog back to feeling great.