How to Clean a Puncture Wound on a Dog
Easy
10 - 15 Minutes
3 Day
Need regular grooming services?
Introduction
If you own a dog, accidents are going to happen. It simply goes with the territory; over his life, he is going to have more than his fair share of cuts, scrapes, and puncture wounds. Knowing how to take care of minor injuries at home properly will help your pup to heal more quickly or, if you need to get him to a vet for a more serious injury, it can buy you the time you need. Knowing how to care for a wound can also help prevent infection that could cause serious injury.Â
Dog's Perspective
Chances are pretty good that if your pup has a minor puncture wound he probably doesn't even know it exists or he does, he thinks licking it will fix the problem. And in time this natural, instinctive behavior may work. But, left unnoticed, the wound could easily become infected, leading to serious conditions such as gangrene setting in. Your pup certainly doesn't need to have that to deal with--proper care is very important.Â
The Trim First Method
Effective
0 Votes
Shampoo
Scissors
Clipper
Towel
Step
1
Have a seat
If you have a large dog, grab a seat on the floor. If you have a small pup, set him on a table or the counter and have someone help you hold him in place.
Step
2
Remove
Gently using tweezers remove the object that caused the puncture wound if it is still there.
Step
3
Trim
Using a water-based lubricant, wet your pup's hair around the wound and out from it for a few inches. This will help keep the hair from getting into the wound as you cut it. Using electric clippers or a pair of very sharp shears, trim the hair from around the wound.
Step
4
Clean up
Using a towel, gently remove the cut hair and lubricant. Then wash the area gently with warm soapy water. This will also help to remove any debris from your pup's wound. Finally, dry the area off with a soft dry towel.
Step
5
Using salt water
Add two teaspoons of salt to one cup of warm water. Use a soft cloth soaked in the salt water to gently clean out the wound. Apply an antimicrobial ointment to the wound.
Step
6
Repeat cleaning
Use warm salt water to gently remove any debris from the wound 2 to 3 times per day and be sure you cover it with ointment. Keep doing this until his wound has fully healed. If at any time you see signs of an infection or if your pup won't let you handle the wound, be sure you take him in to see his vet.
The Clip and Clean Method
Effective
0 Votes
Scissors
Clipper
Towel
Step
1
Clip the hair
Start by using electric clippers to gently shave the hair from around the wound to expose it. This will give you a better look at how bad the injury is and better allow you to stop bleeding. If you don't have clippers, you can use a sharp pair of safety shears. Be careful not to nick your dog's skin.
Step
2
Flush the wound
Using a warm saltwater solution of 2 teaspoons salt to one cup warm water, flush the wound thoroughly using a turkey baster. If the wound is on one of your pup's paws, you can simply soak the paw in a bowl of salt water.
Step
3
Disinfect his wound
The saltwater should go a long way to disinfecting the wound. But, if you want to be one hundred percent sure, rinse the wound with a solution of either Betadine or Nolvasan and warm water.
Step
4
Dry the wound and surrounding area
Use sterile gauze or a clean, soft towel to pat the wound dry. Do not rub on the wound, as this may cause it to start bleeding again.
Step
5
Finish the job
Apply your choice of antibiotic ointment, cream, or spray to the wound. If your dog won't stop licking the wound, you may need to put him in the "cone of shame" or as it's more properly known, an Elizabethan collar. Flush the wound and repeat the above process two to three times daily until the wound finally heals.
Caution & Considerations
- Be sure you check your pup from time to time for injuries or if he starts licking at one area excessively.
- It is possible for puncture wounds to seal themselves and in doing so, seal in dirt that can lead to infection.
- If the wound or the area around it is warm to the touch, your dog develops a fever, or stops eating, and acts like he isn't feeling well, these are all signs he may have an infection and needs to be taken to the vet.
- Small puncture wounds should be left uncovered to promote faster healing.
- If the damage seems more than just a small puncture, or you cannot get it to stop bleeding, take your pup to the vet or animal hospital emergency room while someone covers the wound with a soft cloth and holds pressure on it.
- Be sure your clippers or shears are nice and sharp, so they don’t add insult to injury by ripping the hair around the wound out instead of cutting it.Â
Conclusion
While it is quite normal for dogs to suffer a number of puncture wounds over their lifetime, how well your pup recovers from such an event depends on your knowing how to treat the wound. As you can see, caring for this kind of wound on your pup is no different than doing the same thing for one of your kids. Well, except for following up with smelly dog treats to reward him for being a good boy.
