How to Shave a Dog Wound
Medium
10 - 20 Minutes
1 Day
Need regular grooming services?
Introduction
It can be understandably scary if your dog is hurt by another animal or during play and sustains a wound. If the wound is significant - a large abrasion that is actively bleeding or that is contaminated with any kind of significant debris - you should contact your veterinarian straight away. Those kinds of abrasions or wounds can require debridement (the careful and sometimes uncomfortable removal of debris) or stitches. However, if a wound is not actively bleeding and is shallow, it may be possible to avoid the stress of a visit to the vet and treat the wound in the comfort of your home.
Dog's Perspective
If a dog has been injured by a cut, scrape or bite, it is likely that he is on-edge and nervous. The idea of you approaching his wound with unknown substances might be a stressful proposition. For this reason, it is best to recruit a second hand for restraint or to distract him from his clean-up with pats, sweet nothings or treats. If your dog is especially anxious or prone to biting, a muzzle may also be used to protect you and him, and to ensure that his wound is treated thoroughly.
The Lubrication Method
Effective
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Clipper
Step
1
Prepare your workspace
Depending on the size of your dog, place him on a surface such as a table or get down on the ground next to him to best access his wound area. This method works best when your dog has long hair that should be shaved down to prevent contamination.
Step
2
Protect the wound
Gently cover the wound with a water-based lubricant to protect it from hair and other debris while shaving.
Step
3
Shave around the wound
Use electric clippers to carefully shave the fur around the wound - start closest to the wound, moving outward, and cut with the clippers facing away from the wound. Use caution to avoid getting too close to the laceration and to prevent razor burn, which can further irritate the area.
Step
4
Wipe away debris
Use a dry cloth to wipe away any loose hairs after clipping, then the lubricant from on top of the wound. Wipe carefully and gently.
Step
5
Clean the wound
Clean the wound gently with a warm, damp cloth until all visible debris has been cleared. Consider using an antiseptic soap such as chlorhexidine (2% is less irritating to skin than other common concentrations) to further clean the wound of bacteria - be sure to fully rinse any soap from the wound when finished, and to gently pat it (don't rub!) dry.
Step
6
Consider a cone
Dogs tend to lick at healing wounds as this provides them with a comforting feeling, and wounds can itch as they scab over and heal. However, this licking can delay healthy healing and can cause infection, so if your dog can't leave his clean wound alone, consider using a cone (Elizabethan collar) for 10-14 days to keep his tongue away from the wound while it heals. Also watch to make sure that he is not able to scratch at the wound, which can reopen healed or scabbed-over skin and further delay healing.
Step
7
Monitor healing
If you have chosen not to take your dog to the vet, monitor his wound closely for any signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, heat, etc.) or delayed healing (of more than a week), in which case medical intervention is strongly recommended.
The Trim with Scissors Method
Effective
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Scissors
Step
1
Stop any bleeding
Before cleaning the wound and trimming your dog's hair, make sure to staunch any bleeding by applying pressure to the laceration. You may want to consider muzzling your dog or asking someone to hold him while trimming and cleaning to ensure that he doesn't react to any discomfort. Bring him up on to a table if he is small, or get down on the floor with him if he is large - whichever gives you the easiest access to his cut or scrape.
Step
2
Trim away the hair around the wound
This method works best if your dog has short or wiry, rather than long, hair, or if you don't have electric clippers on hand. Use scissors to gently trim the hair surrounding the wound - be careful not to trim too short, lest you cut your dog's skin or further irritate the wound. Cutting the hair short will prevent it from getting into the laceration as it heals and will allow you to more clearly monitor its healing
Step
3
Gently wipe away debris
Use a dry cloth to wipe away any loose hairs or debris present in the wound after clipping. Wipe, but don't rub!
Step
4
Clean the wound
Clean the wound gently with a warm, damp cloth until all visible debris has been cleared. Consider using an antiseptic soap such as chlorhexidine (2% is least irritating to skin) to further clean the wound of bacteria - be sure to fully rinse any soap from the wound when finished, and to gently pat it (again, don't rub) dry
Step
5
Consider a cone
Interfering with the wound can cause infection and delay healing. If your dog attempts to lick or scratch at the wound, consider fitting them with a cone or Elizabethan collar.
Step
6
Monitor healing
If you have chosen not to take your dog to the vet, monitor his wound for any signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, heat, etc.) or delayed healing (of more than a week), in which case medical intervention is strongly recommended
Caution & Considerations
- A serious wound should be treated immediately by a veterinary professional.Â
- Any wound that compromises the tissue below the surface layer, that is actively bleeding, or that has produced evidence of infection such as pus or swelling likely requires medical attention. Â
- Bite wounds, in particular, may cause damage to deeper tissue than is sometimes evident at the point of tooth entry.Â
- Any wound to the eyes should also be treated by a veterinarian.
Conclusion
As a dog owner, it can be scary and stressful when your dog gets hurt. However, if your pup is one to get worked up over going to the vet, there are ways to treat a minor surface wound at home. As long as you are careful to remove hair and other contaminants from the site, to clean the wound antiseptically and to carefully monitor it for proper healing, you can save Fido the stress of a doctor's appointment, and take his grooming and nursing into your own hands.
