How to Clean a Puppy's Cut
Easy
5 - 15 Minutes
1 Day
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Introduction
Your puppy has gotten into something and cut himself. This can be frustrating and potentially even scary for both you and your pup. The first thing you will need to do is check for multiple cuts, find them all, isolate them, and get them clean. To know what your puppy cut himself on is helpful so you can remove it from his space. If you need to remove material such as glass from your puppy’s cut, a saline solution can help rinse out dirt and debris.
Washing the cut with a mild soap or dog shampoo after a good rinsing will help to eliminate bacteria.
Dog's Perspective
Your puppy's skin will be very tender to the touch. He may wince and cry or may potentially even not sit still long enough for you to get him clean. Be gentle and use a calm relaxed tone when you speak to him. This will help keep him calm.
The Rinse and Apply Method
Effective
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Step
1
Clean water rinse
Start with a clean water rinse using warm water. Rinse your puppy's cut several times until you are confident there is no dirt or debris left inside the cut.
Step
2
Saline
Once the cut has been rinsed well with fresh clean water, do a shorter rinse with saline solution. Saline will help clean the cuts more thoroughly as well as aid in the process of healing.
Step
3
Apply topical
Once you have rinsed the cut with clean water as well as with a saline solution, apply a small amount of topical antibiotic ointment or cream onto the cut.
Step
4
Apply bandage
Since you are using a topical ointment and do not want your dog to lick it off, apply a gauze bandage or wrap to keep your dog from licking or chewing.
Step
5
Watch carefully
As your puppy's cut begins to heal, watch it carefully for any signs of infection. This could include redness, swelling or oozing.
Recommend grooming method?
The Simple Laceration Method
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Step
1
Assess
You’ll need to know if this is a small laceration or something larger that your veterinarian may need to care for. A superficial cut even in a tender area such as a paw pad can be treated at home if watched carefully.
Step
2
Stop bleeding
If the cut is still bleeding you will need to apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding is excessive consider calling your veterinarian for assistance. A simple laceration should stop bleeding with pressure within a few minutes.
Step
3
Cleanse
Cleanse the cut with a warm water and saline solution. If you need to make a saline solution, you can do so by adding Epsom salts to warm water or boiling water and allowing it to cool before pouring it on the cut. If your puppy's cut needs attention right away and you don’t have time to make a saline solution, warm water or even contact lens solution can work.
Step
4
Debris
Be sure you rinse out any excess debris inside the cut.
Step
5
Antibiotic
When is the cut has been thoroughly cleaned, apply an antibiotic cream or ointment directly to the cut. You can do this using a cotton swab, a cotton ball or gauze.
Step
6
Wrap or cover
Once the cut has been thoroughly cleaned, keep it covered so your puppy cannot lick it or chew on it.
Recommend grooming method?
Caution & Considerations
- If you have a puppy who has one cut, consider checking his body for more. If he stepped on something he may have multiple cuts on his paws and all need attention.
- If your puppy’s paw has been cut be sure to check the space between his paw pads and toes as well.
- Cleaning your puppy’s cut will require your puppy to sit still long enough for a solution to rinse any dirt and debris out of the cut as well as for you to treat the injury.
- Puppies have a lot of energy, meaning you may need to consider having someone hold him still while you get him cleaned up.
- Once your little guy is clean, consider applying an antibiotic to aid in the healing process.
- You can also consider natural remedies such as coconut oil to help fight bacteria in the cut.
- Depending on where the cut is located on your puppy’s body, you may need to consider having your pup wear an Elizabethan collar or a cone to keep him from chewing and biting the cut.
- Be sure to watch out for signs of infection such as oozing, redness, or swelling.
Conclusion
Don't let a cut stop your puppy from being his usual energetic self. Get his cut clean, assessed, and treated so he can get back to playing and cuddling, which is what he does best. When you see a bleeding cut on your puppy, stay calm and take the time necessary to clean it to stop any potential infection from setting it. It won't be long before your puppy is up and at it again.
