Dog Wound Care: 7 Worst Mistakes You Must Avoid!

As a dog owner, it’s your responsibility to take care of your furry friend. Because dogs can speak, so you have to be more careful with your dog. Especially when talk about “Dog Wound Care” you have to take safety protocols immediately to reduce further complications and worsening of wounds.

Some dog owners due to a lack of knowledge and information instead of playing their role in treating wound of their dogs unintentionally contribute to the worsening of wounds. So this article is all about those owners so that they can help their dogs when their furry friend gets a wound.

Here are 7 worst mistakes in dog wound care and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Ignoring Minor Wounds

The most common mistake dog owners make which can become a headache for them later is to avoid and ignore minor wounds of their dogs. Minor wounds are easy to treat, but ignorance may cause the introduction of bacteria and infection to your dog which leads to further complications in the future.

What to do:

• You have to check your dog daily for any physical injury.
• You should look for signs of redness, swelling, or discharge.
• For prevention of infection provide proper dog wound care and clean minor wounds with antiseptics.

Mistake 2: Using Human Medication

Another mistake dog owners usually make which they don’t realize is to use human medications on their dog wounds. No doubt some human medications give sudden relief but can cause irritation and damage to your dog’s skin in the future. So you must avoid human medications on your dogs.

What to do:

• You should use dog-specific medicines for dog wound care.
• You can’t use Neosporin on your dog’s wound specifically without the recommendation of your vet
• Human medications can be only used without vet approval.

Mistake 3: Improper Cleaning Techniques

Cleaning your dog’s wound is most important. But here most owners didn’t get the concept. Cleaning is important but it should be proper. Improper cleaning can lead to skin damage and pain in your dog. Harsh cleaning is also included in improper cleaning which should also be avoided.

What to do:

• Use water or mild antiseptic to clean the wound.
• Avoid human medications which include alcohol, hand hydrogen peroxide to reduce irritation and tissue damage.
• Use a dry cloth or sterile gauze.

Mistake 4: Not Preventing Licking

Dogs used to lick their wound more often thinking that licking helps to heal their wound, it may be effective in the wild. In reality, licking introduces bacteria and infections,  or it may cause worsening of wounds.

What to do:

• Prevent licking but use Elizabethan collar (cone).
• Use dog safety bitter sprays to avoid licking around the wound areas.
• If possible try to apply bandages on wounds to avoid licking.

Mistake 5: Skipping Vet Check-Ups

Skipping vet visits or avoiding taking your dog to the vet is another common mistake made by dog owners. Sometimes, some wounds require more attention than you thought. It is important to take your dog to the vet to properly clean and treat the wound. Neglecting may cause worsening of wounds.

What to do:

• If worsening or bleeding occurs take your dog to any certificated vet.
• Don’t use or ignore your vet’s advice or miss any session.
• Seek a vet for major wounds or wounds that are not healing.

Mistake 6: Neglecting Nutrition

Neglecting nutrition has also impact on the healing process of your dog’s wounds. Nutrient has a direct impact on the recovery of your dogs. Poor nutrition leads to weak immune system delayed recovery of the damage caused and can also lead to further complications. So, it’s important to provide enough nutrients to your dog.

What to do:

• Provide your dog with a diet that fulfills your dog’s nutritional needs.
• Keep your dogs hydrated by providing enough clean and fresh water.
• Try to provide a balanced diet and supplements that strengthen the immune system of your dogs.

Mistake 7: Lack of Aftercare

Last but not least, lack of aftercare also results in worsening of wounds. It is the most common mistake made by a dog’s owner. After initial cleaning of wounds, it is necessary to do long-term management or treatment to heal the dog wound care as soon as possible. Avoidance after initial cleaning can lead to the worsening of wounds or the introduction of infections.

What to do:

• Follow all the safety protocols as advised by your vet to avoid infection and worsening of wounds.
• Keep yourself updated of the healing progress, or the current status of wounds.
• Stay consistent in treating or managing wounds.

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Keep Your Dog Happy and Healthy

Taking care of your dog might seem so difficult, but it can be done early if you follow proper steps and attain knowledge. Your dogs can’t speak  they are looking for you to treat them. It’s your responsibility to understand your dog and keep your dogs safe and protected.

Dogs can get wounds it’s not a big deal, but it’s our responsibility to treat our dogs and help your dogs in wound recovery. It’s not difficult we just need enough knowledge about how to treat or take our dogs to the vet so that they may get proper treatment and can be healed. Because your furry friend also deserves a happy and healthy life.