Our furry pets are inclined to be adventurous. They enjoy exploring their environment, playing with toys and interacting with other animals. However, your pet’s curious nature sometimes causes them injuries. If not properly attended to, they can become infected and cause pain to your beloved pet.
So let’s discuss proper wound care for pets!
Assess the wound
The first step to proper wound care in pets is assessing their situation. You’d approach them calmly, making sure they’re safe and not in any pain or discomfort. After all, they might run away and be defensive if you approach them too rashly! However, if you notice that their wound is severe or bleeding extensively, go to your trusted vet immediately for assistance.
Cleanse the wound
Just as you’d clean your wounds, cleaning your pet’s wound is also important.You can use an antiseptic solution or saline solution to carefully cleanse the area. Take note that you shouldn’t use hydrogen peroxide as it can damage your pet’s tissue! When cleaning the wound, take a cloth or gauze and gently dab away any dirt or debris.
Apply antibacterial ointment
After cleaning, you should apply a coating of antibacterial ointment to the wound area. It helps to prevent any infections and aids in the wound’s healing process. However, you should use an ointment specifically formulated for pets. Why? Because some human medications can be toxic to your furry friend!
Bandage the wound
If it’s feasible, you should gently place a gauze pad over the wound. You can fasten it with a bandage. Make sure not to wrap the bandage too tight as this can hinder your pet’s blood flow! You can replace the bandage daily or follow your veterinarian’s instructions.
Keep watch for infection
Infections can cause further pain to your pet. So, make sure to keep an eye out for any indications of it. Here are some clear signs that your pet’s wound might be infected:
- Increased redness
- Swelling
- Discharge
- Foul odour
If you suspect an infection, consult with your veterinarian for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Keep your pet from licking or chewing
Did you know that licking or chewing on their wounds is harmful to your pet? It’s because doing so can introduce infections and further aggravate their injury. But how can you prevent them from doing this? Easy—use a cone collar.
These collars are designed to discourage your pet from reaching and bothering the wound. And, if you don’t know how to properly use them, never doubt to consult with your vet for guidance!
Manage the pain
Wounds can cause discomfort, and your furry companion isn’t exempt from feeling it. If you notice indications of pain in your furry friend, immediately go to your vet for assistance. They can provide pain management medication that specifically meets your pet’s needs. This way, you can ensure comfort in your pet’s entire healing process!
Follow up with your vet
If your beloved pet has an injury, you should make follow-up appointments with their vet. Veterinarians like Lynbrook Vet have the expertise to assess how the wound is healing and suggest any changes to your companions treatment plan. By taking this step, you can ensure that your furry friend is comfortable as they go on the path to recovery!
Taking care of your pet’s wounds is as important as treating yours. It’ll require carefulness, patience, and attentiveness to every detail. By knowing proper wound care for your pets, you can guarantee that they’ll regain their active and playful nature in no time!
