Going on adventures with your dog is one of the best things in life – especially when on a dog-friendly holiday! But with any adventure, there is the risk of injury – to both you and your canine companion. Lacerations, scrapes, punctures, bite wounds, and bruises — these are just a few of the types of dog wounds your canine companion might experience when exploring.
This summer, we have partnered with the award-winning First Aid For Life & First Aid For Pets to learn about some key tips on how to treat dog wounds. It is vital to know how to help a bleeding dog. This is why First Aid For Pets cover this topic in all of their practical and online first aid courses. And PetsPyjamas has an exclusive discount, keep reading!
While you should always seek veterinary attention for a major dog injury, self-administered dog wound care is possible for minor injuries. And preparation is key for giving your dog the care they’ll need. Have your pet first aid kit ready and follow these helpful tips that will teach you about dog wound care.
Different Types of Bleeding
The first priority is always to stop the bleeding. It’s helpful to understand the type of bleeding, so you can be sure you are treating your dog’s wound in the best way possible.
Arterial Bleeding – An arterial bleed is expelled under pressure from the heart and is bright red and frothy. An animal with an arterial bleed can lose blood very fast and quickly go into shock. It is vitally important to apply pressure fast to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop after applying pressure, take your dog to the nearest emergency animal hospital immediately.
Venous Bleeding – Venous blood is darker than arterial blood and pours rather than spurts. It’s easier to control than arterial bleeding. Reassure the injured animal, and apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean, non-fluffy cloth. Do not use tourniquets – direct pressure will usually stop most severe bleeding. Keep the animal warm and dry and look out for signs of shock. Phone the Vet and advise them what has happened, and take the casualty to the nearest veterinary surgeon. Keep monitoring them and reassuring them.
How to clean a dog’s wound?
If the open wound is deep or bleeding profusely, do not attempt to clean it as this should be done by the vet in a clinical environment. Ideally, all wounds should be seen by a vet. However, if the wound is minor and you are not planning to get it seen by a vet, then it should be carefully cleaned before it is dressed.
You may need to carefully trim your pet’s fur around the wound. This is so you can properly see the extent of the damage and avoid cutting the dog’s skin. Ideally, use curved scissors to do this to avoid accidentally cutting their skin.
A wound can be cleaned using saline or clean water. For very dirty wounds you may wish to use an approved animal antiseptic. Although, a dirty wound should always be seen and treated by a vet. Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as they can slow wound healing.
How to bandage an injured paw
If you are applying a bandage onto your pet it is vitally important that you do not put it on too tight.
Never bandage or try to splint a limb that you think is broken as you will make things worse. Always phone the Vet and adhere to their advice.
If you are bandaging the lower limb, you should cover the foot. But you must ensure that you check the paw regularly to ensure that it is not swelling. If you have any concerns you must call the Vet.
If you are applying a bandage at home, it should be checked by a Vet as soon as possible. Never leave a bandage on for longer than 24 hours unless applied by a Vet.
Avoid the bandage getting wet as this will make it tighter and can lead to the wound becoming infected. Avoid taking your dog out in wet conditions. Your Vet will often be able to provide used IV fluid bags to try and protect the bandage from getting wet.
Your vet will also provide appropriate pain relief as part of the treatment plan.
Puncture Wounds From Dog Bites
Bites from dogs and other animals can be jagged and often get infected. This is because a dog’s teeth can harbour lots of bacteria. A bite is not always immediately apparent, especially if your dog has a lot of thick fur. Therefore, if you think they may have been bitten, make sure you check them out thoroughly as soon as possible and get veterinary advice quickly.
The initial treatment for an animal bite is the same as for any other wound. Except it is important to wash it immediately with clean water and antibacterial soap to prevent infected wounds. You will need to get the vet immediately. This is because bites get infected easily; they need to be cleaned thoroughly by a medical professional and vets usually prescribe antibiotics.
Following this handy first-aid checklist should ensure you can continue to enjoy many happy times with your dog this summer. First Aid for Pets provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for veterinary advice. The author does not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or for any mistreatment or misdiagnosis of any person or animal, however caused.
About First Aid For Pets 
First Aid for Pets is an Award Winning Dog First Aid training provider empowering all pet lovers with the skills and confidence to help their pet – in those first vital minutes before you can get to a Vet.
First Aid for Pets is delighted to offer PetsPyjamas customers 20% off our First Aid for Dogs online course. Use the code: couponpetspyjamas20 or follow this link HERE
Prevent cuts and wounds and have a safe petaway with PetsPyjamas
Now that you know our top First Aid advice for if your dog has a cut or a wound and how to prevent the emergency from happening, you can have a safe first holiday away with your beloved companion.
If you are yet to book, we have a wide range of dog-friendly cottages and hotels that are pawfect for your first adventure together! Visit our website today to find out more.