How to Clean a Dog's Sore
Easy
5 - 15 Minutes
1 Day
Need regular grooming services?
Introduction
Your dog could have sores for various reasons. He has a wound that is healing causing a small sore on his body or he's created a sore through hotspots, itching and scratching. Maybe he's gotten into something you're not aware of that caused a sore on his skin. Either way, you'll need to keep it clean to ensure it does not become worse.
If your dog has been injured by another animal resulting in a bite or puncture wounds or even a scratch, it's important to get the sore cleaned up so you can monitor it and ensure it is healing quickly and correctly.
Dog's Perspective
If your pup has sores on his skin, you can bet that area of his skin is probably pretty tender. He may flinch when you get near his skin so just be cautious and aware of the potential pain he might be feeling. Be gentle and consider how to make him more comfortable.
The Clip and Clean Method
Effective
0 Votes
Shampoo
Scissors
Clipper
Step
1
Scissor or clip
Use scissors or clippers to cut the fur on and surrounding your dog’s sores. This will make it easy to see the sores and give them air for proper healing.
Step
2
Mild wash
Use a mild soap and gently wash the sores and skin surrounding the sores. Be careful not to scrub too hard, and be sure to use a gentle soap so as not to irritate the skin more.
Step
3
Rinse
Rinse the area well. Be sure to remove any soap or cleanser. Leaving cleanser on the skin could cause dryness and itching. If your pup itches more, he’s like to break the sores open or cause more by scratching.
Step
4
Topical
Apply a topical ointment to each sore. An antibiotic ointment or cream will help fight bacteria while a gentle product such as coconut oil or aloe can keep the skin soft.
Step
5
Keep mouth away
Keep your dog from licking the spots. If you have applied an antibiotic on the sores, he could lick this off, rendering it useless and ingesting the cream. Some sores can be covered with gauze, but others may not be covered depending on the number of sores your pup has. You may need to consider an Elizabethan collar to keep him from licking.
The Natural Cleaners Method
Effective
0 Votes
Step
1
Saline
When you first notice sores on your dog’s skin, pour saline solution over them for a deep cleanse. This initial rinse needs to soak the skin and soften the scabs.
Step
2
Compress
Once you have rinsed the sores with saline solution, soak a soft cloth in the solution and apply the cloth to to sores. This allows the sores to stay moist, soothing the dry skin. Leave this compress on for ten minutes or as long as your dog allows up to ten minutes.
Step
3
Coconut oil
Apply coconut oil directly to the sore. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties. While on the sores, it will help keep the skin and sores soft while healing with antibacterial properties.
Step
4
Lavender oil
After the first day using coconut oil, apply lavender oil to the sores. Lavender oil will also help disinfect the sores. Lavender oil is also extremely soothing to the skin as well as to your dog’s senses. The scent of lavender can calm your dog's sores along with his demeanor. This might help him stay away from licking or scratching the sores.
Step
5
Wrap
If you need to wrap any sore to keep your dog away, do so just after applying the oils to the sores. Try to keep them unwrapped when possible or use a cone to keep your dog’s mouth away from the sores. The more air these sores get, the quicker the healing will be.
Caution & Considerations
- Hot spots occur when your dog’s skin is irritated. These often happen as a result of heat, long fur resulting in skin which is not aerated enough, and small parasites such as fleas.
- Allergies can also result in sores in your dog’s skin. Dry, itchy skin occurs with seasonal allergies, allergic reactions to skin products such as shampoos, or even food allergies.
- Mites cause scabies which results in painful sores on your dog’s skin. A dog with mites might appear mangy and lose fur.
- Mange can appear in small areas on a dog’s skin or all over their whole body. The appearance of mange in a dog may not be noticed at first or may look like dry skin, but it could quickly cause loss of fur and spreading sores.
- It’s a good idea to cut the fur around your dog’s sores so they can get air and for you to properly view them for treatment.
- Whether your pup is dealing with hot spots, mange, allergies, or dry spots causing him to scratch until they bleed and scab, it’s a good idea to document through photos the sores as they heal.
- Taking a photo each day of your dog’s sore can help you determine if they are healing properly or widely spreading.
Conclusion
Don't let your dog be a sore pup. Clean and treat his sores with mild cleansers and lots of comforts. If your dog is dealing with fleas or other parasites, treat his sores and get rid of those pests with proper treatment. If you suspect allergies, a mild diet can help you eliminate foods that might be bothering your pup's skin. Pay close attention to sores created by injury. With lots of TLC, time, and patience, your little guy will heal.
