Dog wounds can be a scary thing to deal with, but minor cuts and scrapes are usually safe to treat at home. In fact, knowing how to treat them properly can save you and your dog from unnecessary stress in the future.
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
There are many different ways to clean a dog wound, but we will discuss the most common and effective method. Our step-by-step guide will show you how to clean a dog wound properly and how to care for the wound until it’s healed. We’ll also help you decide when it’s safe to treat a dog wound at home, and when it’s best to seek a veterinarian’s care.
How to Clean a Dog Wound
1. Gather Your Supplies.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Dogs I Cats I Healthy Pet (@dogoteka)
The first thing you’ll need to do when cleaning a dog wound is to gather your supplies. You’ll need:
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Dogs I Cats I Healthy Pet (@dogoteka)
A post shared by Dogs I Cats I Healthy Pet (@dogoteka)
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
sterile gauze pads
distilled water or saline
antibacterial soap
antibacterial ointment
Bandage materials if necessary
syringe (optional)
Once you have your supplies gathered, you can start addressing the wound.
- sterile gauze pads
- distilled water or saline
- antibacterial soap
- antibacterial ointment
- Bandage materials if necessary
- syringe (optional)
2. Stop the Bleeding
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Luna & Kitt’s adventure!! (@luna_and_kitt)
While a dog’s coat may provide some protection against minor cuts and scrapes, more serious injuries can often result in heavy bleeding. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to take quick action to stop the bleeding and prevent further problems. The first step is to apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth, towel or bandage. Once the bleeding has been controlled, you can then reassess the wound. If the bleeding is profuse or pulsing out, get to your closest vet or emergency clinic.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Luna & Kitt’s adventure!! (@luna_and_kitt)
A post shared by Luna & Kitt’s adventure!! (@luna_and_kitt)
3. Apply Styptic or Clotting Powder
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Living With A Landshark (@livingwithalandshark)
If, after several minutes of applying firm pressure to a minor wound, it is still oozing, you may try applying styptic powder, which is designed to encourage blood clotting and stop bleeding.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Living With A Landshark (@livingwithalandshark)
A post shared by Living With A Landshark (@livingwithalandshark)
Apply a pinch of powder to the wound and reapply pressure. It should only be used on superficial wounds and grazes and not on burns. It is useful for bleeding toenails too.
In most cases, the bleeding will stop within minutes. However, if you notice that the bleeding persists or worsens, you’ll need to consult your veterinarian. The wound may require stitches or other professional wound care. If you’re able to stop the bleeding, you may continue with wound care.
4. Rinse the Area
A dog’s wound needs to be rinsed, even if it doesn’t look dirty. You’re not just cleaning away dirt, but also some of the microscopic bacteria that can infect a wound.
It’s best to clean a dog’s wound with sterile saline solution or sterile water. The best way to do this is with a syringe without the needle attached.
Draw up the solution into the syringe and then gently squirt it over the wound, making sure to get rid of any dirt or debris. You can then use a clean cloth or paper towel to gently pat the area dry. Repeat this process until the wound appears clean.
If you do not have a syringe, gently pour your cleaning solution over the wound, a little at a time, to help flush out contaminants. Repeat this flushing action until no more dirt or debris remains.
If you do not have sterile water or saline, rinse and clean your dog’s wound with warm (not hot) tap water using the same methods described above. Preferably boil the water and leave it to cool first.
5. Clean the Wound with Antiseptic Solution
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ekeanyanwu Emmanuel (@petshopplussoutheast)
Next, apply a small amount of antiseptic wound cleaning solution to a gauze pad and gently dab it on the wound to further cleanse it. This step helps to decrease the likelihood of infection. Be sure not to rub the wound, as this will cause more bleeding and possible infection. Chlorhexidine soap or Betadine are suitable to use.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ekeanyanwu Emmanuel (@petshopplussoutheast)
A post shared by Ekeanyanwu Emmanuel (@petshopplussoutheast)
6. Clean Surrounding Areas
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Kasper & Kosmo (@kasperkosmo)
Wash the area around the wound with soap and warm water. This helps prevent dirt, debris, and bacteria from re-entering the freshly cleaned wound. Make sure to clean away from the wound rather than towards it.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Kasper & Kosmo (@kasperkosmo)
A post shared by Kasper & Kosmo (@kasperkosmo)
7. Apply Antibacterial Ointment (Optional)
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Reagan 👑 Rolex ⌚️Bingo 🔵 (@reagan_rolex_bingo)
Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment using gauze or a clean cotton swab. This helps prevent an infection and protect new tissue as it forms. Some antibacterial ointments also contain numbing agents that can help to decrease pain.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Reagan 👑 Rolex ⌚️Bingo 🔵 (@reagan_rolex_bingo)
A post shared by Reagan 👑 Rolex ⌚️Bingo 🔵 (@reagan_rolex_bingo)
8. Dress the Wound
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by BIOVET (@vss.biovet)
Once you’ve cleansed and treated the wound, you’ll need to apply a sterile bandage. Wrap the bandage around the wound, being careful not to wrap it too tightly. Secure the bandage in place with medical tape or a self-adhesive band. You may need to use gauze rolls or gauze tape to wrap the bandage around your dog’s body, especially if the wound is in a tricky spot. Check bandages several times a day to ensure that they are not too tight, dirty or soaked through. Bandages should never be wet.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by BIOVET (@vss.biovet)
A post shared by BIOVET (@vss.biovet)
9. Protect the Area
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Dog lovers 🐶 (@dog.loversyt)
Once your dog’s wound is clean, treated, and covered, it’s important to keep your dog from chewing or licking the area. Some dogs can simply be told “no” while others need help and encouragement in the form of supportive garments or e-collars.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Dog lovers 🐶 (@dog.loversyt)
A post shared by Dog lovers 🐶 (@dog.loversyt)
It’s also important to provide your dog with a clean, safe area to rest while they recover. If you have an outdoor dog, consider keeping them inside while they heal. If this is not possible, make sure to provide a safe indoor space with clean bedding, such as a barn or kennel.
10. Consult Your Veterinarian
If the wound is bleeding heavily, in a sensitive area, appears deep or penetrating, it’s important to make an appointment to see your vet right away. The wound may need stitches or even surgery in some cases. We would recommend seeing your vet for all but the most minor injuries as they can be worse underneath than they look. In all cases, it’s important to seek professional medical attention if the wound does not seem to be healing properly, if it’s swelling or appears red and irritated, or if you see any pus. It’s also important to seek veterinary care if your dog seems to be in pain or distress.
Final Thoughts
Many minor wounds on dogs can be treated at home. But, with improper care, it doesn’t take long for an infected wound to become a serious or even life-threatening injury. As long as you follow these steps and seek veterinary care when needed, your dog should recover just fine and be back to its old self in no time.
Featured Image Credit: smrm1977, Shutterstock
