A dog owner could be confronted with a bleeding, injured or wounded dog at some point of time.
Dealing with cuts and wounds requires special care and knowledge.
Dog first aid care must be rendered in cases of bleeding, cuts, lacerations or abrasions on the surface of the skin. The severity of wound is an indicator which helps decide the required level of first aid and the need to call the veterinarian. Special
dog health care is required if any wound, scratch or cut is more than half inch deep or long.
Dog cuts, scrapes and minor wounds can be treated at home. Minor cuts and scrapes may rarely require first aid bandage or dressings. But it is important to keep a well stocked
dog first aid kit comprising absorbent towels, gauze pads, cotton balls and mild antiseptic solution to render first aid for cuts and wounds. Label small compartments or maintain small boxes pertaining to emergencies as first aid bleeding, first aid bandage, first aid cuts abrasions, first aid cuts lacerations, first aid cuts scratches or first aid cuts wounds.
A profusely bleeding dog does require immediate first aid care.
If the dog is highly distracted with the condition use a muzzle to control the dog. Be prepared to reduce the blood flow by gently applying pressure on the wound with an absorbent towel until the bleeding stops. Ensure you use a clean towel to avoid triggering infections. It is important to note that a dog’s skin rarely bleeds profusely unless it is a serious condition. Do not remove the cloth or towel from the wound until the bleeding reduces or stops. Lifting the cloth within short intervals from the wound may interrupt the blood clotting process. Hold the wounded area in an elevated position to reduce the blood flow. A bandage or tourniquet can be used to control the blood flow but it must be removed periodically to allow blood circulation. Another important thing is to avoid throwing a blood soaked cloth for a fresh one. It is advisable to add bandages rather than placing a new one. If the bleeding does not reduce or stop in a short time it is time to make a call to your veterinarian.
Open wounds must be treated with utmost care given that open wounds are prone to infections. Swelling and soreness around the site of injury is an indicator of infection. It is important to note that a healing wound is most likely to reduce the redness and soreness around the injury. Clip, cut or shave the hair around the wound to avoid any hair getting stuck in the wound. To avoid infections it is important to keep the injured area clean and dry at all times.
