Step Two: Cover with a pad
Once the wound had been treated, place an absorbent pad over the wound. This pad should be sterilized and nonstick.
What should I do if my dog’s wound is bleeding?
Initially, attempt to stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound with an absorbent dressing, such as dry gauze, followed by a layer of bandage material or a clean, dry cloth. This will protect the wound during transport to the veterinary clinic and prevent any further contamination of the injury.
If possible, try to raise the affected area above the level of the heart. This will help reduce the flow of blood to the bleeding area. Do not apply ointments, creams, disinfectants, or any other chemicals to the wound (unless directed by your veterinarian), as they can interfere with healing.
How to Cover a Wound on a Dog
When bandaging your dogs wound, thoroughly clean the affected area. Apply any disinfecting medication recommended by your veterinarian. Place the absorbent non-stick pad over the area. Wind a layer of cotton wadding around the affected area in a few layers (two or three are sufficient for wound, multiple layers for a support dressing), making sure that it is firmly applied. Follow the same procedure with layers of gauze bandage, making sure that it isnt too loose or tight. Then finish with a layer of Vet Wrap.
If the gauze or the Vet Wrap is too loose, the bandage will fall off. If either is too tight, this can cause circulation problems as well as discomfort or itching, all of which will lead to your dog chewing the covering off very quickly. Be sure that you can just barely fit the tips of two of your fingers under each layer of the bandage material to ensure that it is applied with the proper amount of tension. [Please note: It is outside the scope of this article to fully discuss applying a bandage.]
Basic Injury Wrap for Dogs
Dog bandages dont stay on as easily as a persons bandage because a dogs fur and body shape makes it difficult to get a bandage to stay. Also, dogs arent good at keeping bandages clean, which means putting the bandage on in such a way so it can be changed easily. This poses a dilemma: How best to cover a wound so it will heal without falling off or being chewed.