How to Clean a Dog's Scratch
Easy
5 - 10 Minutes
1 Day
Need regular grooming services?
Introduction
If you have an active dog, you have probably noticed every now and then he gets an inexplicable scratch. These scratches could come from other animals, potentially your pet cat, or from just playing around outside and running near twigs, sticks, bushes, trees, and even fences. Some scratches bleed but often not profusely enough for you to notice something has occurred. Most scratches will clear up on their own without ever even being noticed. However, if you do notice a scratch on your dog, it's always a good idea to clean it and treat it to ensure it doesn't become infected.
Dog's Perspective
Your dog may not notice he even has a scratch. And on the other hand, some scratches he will notice because they are tender to the touch or because he's been attacked by a cat or another animal.Â
The Minor Scratch Method
Effective
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Towel
Step
1
Check it out
Check out your dog's scratch by looking at it closely. While you are inspecting you may need to consider where your dog was scratched. If your dog walked past a bush or a tree or even a sharp edge on a table, watching it for a couple of days after good cleaning may be enough. If the scratch is from another animal, your dog may be at risk of infection so to keep a careful eye on it.
Step
2
Gentle wipe
Use a soft cloth to gently wipe out dried debris off of the scratch. Once this is done, rinse this cloth with warm water and gently clean the scratch.
Step
3
Ointment
Reply a small amount of antibacterial ointment to your pup’s scratch. This will help rid the scratch of any bacteria from the offending object.
Step
4
Cover
After you have applied the antibacterial ointment, be sure to cover the scratch so your dog does not lick the ointment. This will also keep any dirt out of the scratch.
Step
5
Keep watch
Keep an eye on the scratch every day to ensure it is healing and not getting worse. If you have any concerns, call your veterinarian and ask questions.
The Animal Scratches Method
Effective
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Towel
Step
1
Wash
Be sure to wash a scratch from another animal thoroughly with warm water and mild soap.
Step
2
Saline rinse
Pour a small amount of saline over the scratch. This will start the healing process. Saline will work on killing active bacteria and healing tissue.
Step
3
Inspect
Your dog may have been scratched by another animal, but he may have also been bitten so be sure you inspect the wound for any punctures or bite marks
Step
4
Antibacterial
Apply a small amount of an over-the-counter antibacterial ointment to the scratch. Be sure your dog doesn't lick this product off and be prepared to continue applying as the scratch heals.
Step
5
Bandage
If you applied an antibacterial ointment, you might need to consider putting a bandage or gauze and tape on the wound. If it's a minor scratch in a place for your dog cannot lick easily, leave it to heal with fresh air.
Step
6
Keep an eye on it
Keep an eye on the scratch and ensure it begins to heal instead of becoming worse.
Caution & Considerations
- Consider having a first aid kit in
your home and your car specifically for your dog.
- When treating a minor scratch, you can simply use warm water and a soft cloth to make sure the area is clean and free of debris.
- If the scratch is open and still bleeding, consider flushing it with a saline solution from your first aid kit or you can make your own at home by boiling water and salt and allowing it to cool before pouring it on the dog's scratch.
- Even if this is a minor scratch, the skin around it may be tender, swollen and sensitive to touch.
- Watch animal scratches, especially cat scratches, very closely because they have the potential of becoming infected over time.
- Scratches from trees and bushes and branches may not appear serious at first but could cause an allergic reaction on your dog's skin.
- Once you have identified your dog scratch, keep a close eye on it until it heals.
- Keep your dog from licking or chewing the scratched area and consider wrapping it with gauze.
- If it's a scratch buried deep under fur, you may need to shave the area so you can keep a closer eye on it and keep it clean while keeping bacteria dirt and debris from your dog's fur out of the scratch.
Conclusion
Your pup has been scratched and might be hurting or even a tad frightened. Step in with some gentle first aid and some extra love to help him feel better. Keep a close watch on any scratches to make sure they are healing. Once your furry friend has been treated, get back out into the world and play with him again.
