How to Clean a Wound on a Dog's Face

You hope it never happens, but the reality of owning a dog means that sometimes you’ll be unable to get him to a vet on the chance that he gets hurt or injured. While being able to hop into the car and head to an emergency vet would be ideal, sometimes, you need to take things into your own hands while you wait for the next chance to get him some professional help. Knowing how to clean a wound around your dog’s face and nose is information that could potentially help you in a small emergency later on. Though it can be undoubtedly stressful, the more prepared you are, the better.

When a dog hurts himself, especially near his face, he can be very touchy and nervous, just like a person might be if they are in a lot of pain. Even the sweetest dogs are prone to snapping or biting when having wounds treated, so caution and understanding are important. However, the sooner you can help ease your dog’s pain, the better.

• Consider keeping a pet first aid kit in your home for situations like this. The kit should have things like antiseptic, antibacterial ointment, gauze, bandages, and other items that you may find useful to have in an emergency situation.
  
• If your dog is in extreme pain, take precautions such as a muzzle or a leash to keep him from biting at you or anyone else in the area. 
  
• Never allow small children to assist with wound cleaning. This could put both the children and your dog at risk.
  
• A plastic or fabric cone around your dog’s neck can help prevent him from scratching at the wound until you can get him to the vet. Consider keeping one in your home in case of emergency.
  
• If the wound is too deep, too bloody, or if your dog is showing signs of severe distress, call an emergency veterinarian’s office to determine your best course of action. While you may not be able to transport your dog to the vet, the office may be able to give you further instructions on what to do.
  

Taking precautions and being prepared is the best way to tackle a wound on your dog’s face or any other part of his body. The process may be stressful, but being able to at least bring him some relief before he can see a veterinarian can be enough to make the knowledge worth knowing. As long as you approach the situation calmly and carefully, you can help keep your dog safe and healthy.