Bandages and our furry friends have a love-hate relationship. They're great at protecting wounds from the environment (and keeping the environment safe from wounds!) and for discouraging pets from licking or gnawing at their injuries. They can even offer support for strains or sprains, or immobilize certain parts of the body. However, bandages must be applied correctly - a too-tight bandage can cut off blood flow, risking limb loss.
Prepping the Wound for Bandage
Every bandaging session starts with a good clean-up. Rinse off dried blood, dirt, and debris using mild soap and a generous amount of water. Clipping away hair around the wound prevents it from contaminating the wound. Patting the area dry is a good idea, if possible. Gathering Your Supplies
In a perfect world, a bandage would have three layers: the contact layer, an absorbent layer, and an outer layer. Ideally, you'll need antibiotic ointment, a Telfa Non-Adherent Pad (the contact layer), cotton wrap (the absorbent layer), gauze wrap, and a bandage wrap like Vetrap (the outer layer).
Layer 1: The Contact Layer
Once the wound is clean, apply antibiotic ointment to a Telfa Non-Adherent Pad and place it over the wound. This layer should be sterile, absorbent, non-stick, conform to all shapes, allow drainage to pass through it without getting wet, and be free of particles that might get into the wound. Changing this layer frequently is key to healing.
Layer 2: The Absorbent Layer
With the contact layer in place, wrap the absorbent layer over it, ensuring a snug but not tight fit. This layer should be a cotton or Dacron material, and the width will depend on the size of your dog's limb or the body part being bandaged. Narrow materials can act like a tourniquet if the wound swells, while overly wide ones can cause discomfort due to wrinkles or ridges. If the bandage is for a leg or tail, start wrapping from the toes or tail tip towards the body, to avoid restricting blood flow.
Layer 3: The Outer Layer
The final outer layer, usually an adhesive or elastic tape, should be applied from the toes upward. Be careful not to stretch it too much to avoid interfering with circulation. Ensuring this layer makes contact with the skin at the edges of the bandage can prevent slipping.
Caring for the Bandage
Keep a close eye on the bandage for swelling, skin discoloration, coolness, odor, or saturation. Change it if you notice any of these signs or if it seems to be causing your pet discomfort. Wet, soiled, or slipped bandages should be replaced immediately. Home bandaging is not a substitute for proper veterinary care - improperly applied bandages can result in limb loss. Wounds that are draining heavily may require bandage changes every one or two hours. Bandages over wounds with little or no drainage should be changed every 24 hours.
Remember, every pet is different, and your furry friend may need tailored care. Always consult your vet for advice on managing your pet's wounds at home.
Don't have a vet in your area yet? We can help you find a local veterinarian.
If you have more questions, the GeniusVets Telehealth platform will give you unlimited access to text and/or video calls with board-certified veterinarians! To learn more click here.