A wound is any disruption in the continuity of body tissues, either externally or internally. Pets with injuries can behave unpredictably, so always remember to protect yourself from potential bites by using a muzzle or heavy towel for gentle restraint.
Wounds often necessitate pain management and might require sedation or general anesthesia for thorough cleaning and closure once evaluated by a vet. Some wounds, like animal-inflicted injuries, may worsen before improving as dead tissue gets eliminated by the immune system. This process could take days or weeks and may necessitate repeated bandaging, surgeries, or skin grafting for severe wounds.
What to Do Deep Wounds
(Generally, those that bleed or expose muscle, fat, or bone)
- Stop the bleeding using direct pressure.
- Unless instructed by a vet, avoid cleaning the wound.
- Protect the wound from contamination with a water or saline-soaked compress.
- Leave it in place until a vet instructs otherwise.
- Immobilize the wound to prevent additional damage.
- If necessary, provide shock care.
- Seek professional veterinary help. Transport the animal with the affected area facing up.
Superficial Wounds
(Wounds that don't penetrate entirely through the skin)
- Halt the bleeding. Clean and bandage the wound as directed in the bandaging instructions.
What NOT to Do
- Unless explicitly told by your vet, don't apply anything to the wound.
- Resist the urge to peek under the bandage to check if the bleeding has stopped. This could disturb the wound and possibly exacerbate bleeding.
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