Wound care dos and don’ts


 
  pet wound care

From small scrapes to large lacerations—accidents happen. Seeing the veterinarian right away is the best way to help your pet when they’re hurt. But what you do before you reach the hospital can make a big difference, too.  

 

 

Follow this list of dos and don’ts when your pet is injured to put them on the quickest path to recovery:

  • Use a muzzle or another barrier to biting before treating the injury. Remember that your pet is in pain and possibly scared, which means they may instinctively lash out.
  • Wear gloves to avoid infecting a clean wound or getting yourself infected from a dirty wound.
  • Stop the bleeding by applying pressure with a gauze or clean towel. Resist the urge to peek at your progress, which may prevent the clot from forming. Continue to apply pressure for a full three minutes before checking if the bleeding has stopped.
  • Don’t let your pet lick! It’s a myth that licking cleans wounds—your pet’s mouth is actually very germy. An Elizabethan collar is often the best way to prevent licking. Sometimes dressing your pet in a T-shirt or gym shorts might work, too.
  • Clean the wound with a saline solution or water only. Saline spray is available from most drug stores, or you can use a (clean!) turkey baster or syringe to gently squirt water or a saline solution.
  • DON’T use soaps, shampoos, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, herbal preparations, tea tree oil or any other products to clean the wound, unless directed by your veterinarian, as many of these can actually delay healing.
  • Only apply a bandage if you’ve been trained to do so or are far away from help, like when you’re camping, for example. Make sure to use nonstick gauze directly on the wound so that it won’t hurt to remove later and to apply the bandage loosely to avoid dangerously cutting off circulation.

After your veterinarian has treated your pet, keep these additional factors in mind:

  • Give all medications as prescribed. 
  • If your veterinarian wants the wound to drain, use a damp, warm washcloth to lightly massage the skin around the wound and encourage fluid to come out. Gently dab away discharge so that it doesn’t crust, preventing further drainage.
  • If your veterinarian stitched the wound closed, leave a forming scab alone and report any discharge or gaping in the stitches to your veterinarian.
  • If your veterinarian applied a bandage, keep it clean and dry by covering the bandage when your pet goes outside and by preventing licking. Wet or damp bandages must be changed right away. 

Most importantly, call your VCA veterinary team any time you have questions. They’re here to support you and your pet through the healing process.

 

Keep these recommendations and other first aid instructions on hand for quick reference by downloading our practical emergency pet care guide. >>