On Call: Treating Pet Wounds at Home
We love our pets and consider them members of our family, and when they are injured it can throw us into a tailspin. Do we rush to the vet, or can we treat some wounds ourselves safely?
Treating pet wounds at home, provided the wound is minor, is something any pet owner can and should do. At Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital, we believe in empowering pet owners with the skills they need to safely take care of their pets’ minor bumps and bruises at home whenever possible.
Treating Pet Wounds
The main objective when it comes to treating pet wounds is to stop the bleeding and prevent infection. The sooner a wound is cleaned and treated, the less likelihood it will become infected and cause bigger problems for your pet.
Follow these steps for treating your pet’s minor wounds at home:
- Enlist the help of a family member or friend to hold or distract your pet while you attend to the wound.
- If there is minor bleeding, place a clean piece of gauze over the wound and apply gentle pressure until the bleeding subsides (major bleeding or bleeding that does not stop within a couple of minutes should be reported to your veterinarian immediately).
- Wash the area with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Apply a non-stinging antiseptic to the area, such as Chlorhexidine.
- Once the antiseptic has dried, apply a layer of antimicrobial ointment.
Prevent your pet from licking the area for at least 10 minutes following treatment. Distract him or her with a walk, toy, treats, or other activity if necessary. Check the wound two or three times per day and clean/apply antiseptic and antimicrobial solutions as needed.
When to Seek Help
Although most minor pet wounds can be treated at home safely, there are times when you will need to bring your pet in to see us. The following scenarios are considered medical emergencies for which your pet will need to be seen right away:
- The wound shows signs of infection, such as oozing or red/inflamed tissue
- Your pet has been in a car accident, bitten by another animal, or has experienced a trauma
- Bleeding that does not stop within a few minutes
- The wound is deep enough for you to see bone or soft tissue
- You know or suspect your pet has a broken bone
- You have any doubts about your pet’s injury or just feel that something is “off” with your pet
If at any point you are concerned about your pet or have questions regarding treating pet wounds at home, please don’t hesitate to contact the staff at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital for further assistance!