Using a cleanser such as diluted betadine or chlorhexidine, which are often included in a packaged first aid kit, gently clean the injured area. Do not use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as these can damage the tissue and delay healing. Cover up the wound with a bandage.
Chlorhexidine is a topical antiseptic solution applied to a dog's skin. It works against bacterial and fungal growth that can cause skin infections in dogs. Chlorhexidine gluconate is one of the most common forms. Chlorhexidine typically appears as a dark-blue colored solution.
Supplies Needed for Dog Wound Care
Warm water. Clean towels (paper or cloth) Antiseptic solution (like 2% chlorhexidine) Antimicrobial ointment.
Use a mild soap and water solution and rinse the area well. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as these can actually delay healing. Once the wound is clean, you will want to apply an antibiotic ointment or cream. This will help to prevent infection and will also help the wound heal faster.
To apply betadine on your dog, gently wipe the wound with a washcloth saturated with the betadine solution. You can do this up to twice a day for minor sores or skin infections. One great thing about Betadine is that it is completely harmless if it's ingested.
Betadine is a fantastic item for your pet fit aid kit. It is completely safe for dogs, even if they lick the injured area and swallow some Betadine. It is an excellent item for your medicine cabinet. Betadine is recommended for minor wounds or abrasions and superficial cuts or burns that can be treated at home.
What should I clean the wound with? Warm tap water is recommended for cleaning most wounds. Warm saline (salt solution) may also be used. This may be made by adding approximately one level teaspoonful (5 mL) of salt (or Epsom salts) to two cups (500 mL) of water.
If there is a scrape or cut on your dog's skin, you should be able to use this over-the-counter antiseptic cream as a one-off. This will help keep them free of infection while healing. Note: This should only be done in small applications as it is not meant for dogs.
Vaseline does not have any antibacterial, soothing or healing properties. If you're in a pinch it won't hurt, but in the long term, there are more beneficial products formulated specifically for dogs that are safer to use.
If available, apply a small amount of antiseptic wound cream such as Savlon or Germolene to prevent infection. Do this just prior to a walk or feeding to distract your pet from licking it off.
Clean The Area
To make saline solution at home simply boil some water, add table salt and stir until it's dissolved before letting it cool to a skin-comfortable temperature. Once the wound is clean, pat the area dry with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. Apply a non-stinging antiseptic solution.
This brings us to the million dollar question: "What can I put on my dog's cut?" Dilute betadine is an excellent disinfectant to keep in your first-aid kit. A good alternative to betadine is diluted chlorhexidine.
Sudocrem. This can be used in dogs and cats in small amounts. Sudocrem contains zinc-oxide which is highly toxic to birds. Zinc-oxide is also toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in large quantities, but applying a thin layer of sudocrem to sore or irritated skin is generally safe and can be beneficial.
Bacterial skin infections in dogs and cats (wounds, abscesses) can be treated with an antibiotic such as Orbax® (orbifloxacin). This is a once-a-day antibiotic. It is available in easy-to-break color-coded tablets and an oral palatable suspension.
All you have to do is take one part ACV and one part water, mix it, and put it in a spray bottle. Apply the mixture directly onto the itchy spots to provide relief to your doggo. However, you should never apply ACV onto any open wounds, as it will cause stinging, which will be painful for your dog.
Do not use antiseptic cream designed for humans on pet's wounds (as they will often lick/ingest creams). Speak to your vet if a pet's wound needs treatment.
This sounds obvious, but many owners will be unaware that things they think can help their dog will in fact do more harm than good. For example, he says you should never put anything on your dog's wound. Antiseptics such as Savlon, Dettol and similar products should never be used! They are far too harsh, he said.
Once the wound is clean you may apply human wound treatment ointments such as Germolene and Bactroban. Be warned any ointment applied to a wound will often be licked by your pet so it is important to prevent this. An Elizabethan collar (cone of shame) often works well as it keeps the pet's mouth away from the body.
Licking might offer some protection against certain bacteria, but there are serious drawbacks to letting your dog lick wounds. Excessive licking can lead to irritation, paving the way for hot spots, infections, and potential self-mutilation. Licking and chewing can also slow healing by reopening wounds.
Vinegar Rinse
Vinegar, in particular apple cider vinegar, has long been used for first aid. Vinegar has been used to treat minor dog wounds because not only does it have the ability to disinfect the area, and wash away unwanted fur and debris, it also has a soothing effect on the dog's coat.
Wounds heal faster if they are kept warm. Try to be quick when changing dressings. Exposing a wound to the open air can drop its temperature and may slow healing for a few hours. Don't use antiseptic creams, washes or sprays on a chronic wound.
For Professional Veterinary Use Only
Uses: For preparation of the skin prior to surgery. Helps to reduce bacteria on the skin that potentially can cause infection.
Use full strength for:
Preventing bacterial infection. Emergency antisepsis of minor lacerations, abrasions, and burns. Post-operative application to surgical incisions. For use on companion animals, including dogs, cats, and horses.
Betadine is ideal for minor wounds, cuts, abrasions, and injuries. It is an antiseptic that kills or slows the growth of infection-causing microorganisms. As a home remedy, betadine prevents wound infection. Patients must not use it for severe burns, deep cuts, or serious injuries.