How to bandage an injured dog
Because of energetic and curious nature dogs are prone to accidents thus a dog owner has to have a first aid kit for the pet. The kit is the owner's first step in preparing for any possible incidents that can injure the pet. Bandages are one of the essential contents of a pet's first aid kit. Given the dog's propensity to get into hazardous situations, it is imperative for a dog owner to learn basic first aid treatments.
A bandage has many useful uses for the injured dog. Injured dogs would be very hard to restrain thus it is common for the pet to sustain another trauma. Immobilization of an injured body part to provide the pet with relief from pain is one of the functions of bandaging. Bandage will limit the swelling and would absorb the fluid oozing from the wound and protect the wound from getting dirty and becoming infected. Bandages are used to temporarily stabilize fractures before the injured pet is taken to a veterinary facility for splinting, casting or for surgical repair. Bandage has to be applied correctly otherwise the pet would receive no emergency care and the improperly applied bandage can even worsen the pet's condition.
Correct bandage application has to be learned by every pet owner. The pet can be restrained while the bandage is being applied but the concern would be on how to keep the bandage on. The adhesive bandage we humans use would be ineffective for our furry friends. Dogs would have no idea why the master applied the bandage thus it would pull, bite and chew until the bandage is removed. Owners should be aware of this fact thus the bandage has to be well secured.
Dirty wound must not be bandaged to prevent infection. This means that the wound has to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Dry the affected area and cover the wound with a double strip of gauze. The strip of gauze that covers the wound has to be wrapped with several layers of gauze and secured with medical tape. To prevent the bandage from slipping, the adhesive tape must be connected both to the bandage and to the dog's fur.
Severe bleeding of wound can be controlled with bandaging. A sufficient amount of bandage applied to the bleeding also puts on pressure that controls bleeding. The person applying the bandage must make sure that it is not applied too tight as it can cut off the circulation. The bandage has to be checked regularly as risk of infection is high especially if the injured animal is not prevented from doing its usual activities. Swelling and bad odor emanating from the bandaged wound are signs of infection. Keeping the dog indoors while the injury is healing will lessen the risk of infection as the bandage will be kept clean and dry.
A bandage has many useful uses for the injured dog. Injured dogs would be very hard to restrain thus it is common for the pet to sustain another trauma. Immobilization of an injured body part to provide the pet with relief from pain is one of the functions of bandaging. Bandage will limit the swelling and would absorb the fluid oozing from the wound and protect the wound from getting dirty and becoming infected. Bandages are used to temporarily stabilize fractures before the injured pet is taken to a veterinary facility for splinting, casting or for surgical repair. Bandage has to be applied correctly otherwise the pet would receive no emergency care and the improperly applied bandage can even worsen the pet's condition.
Correct bandage application has to be learned by every pet owner. The pet can be restrained while the bandage is being applied but the concern would be on how to keep the bandage on. The adhesive bandage we humans use would be ineffective for our furry friends. Dogs would have no idea why the master applied the bandage thus it would pull, bite and chew until the bandage is removed. Owners should be aware of this fact thus the bandage has to be well secured.
Dirty wound must not be bandaged to prevent infection. This means that the wound has to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Dry the affected area and cover the wound with a double strip of gauze. The strip of gauze that covers the wound has to be wrapped with several layers of gauze and secured with medical tape. To prevent the bandage from slipping, the adhesive tape must be connected both to the bandage and to the dog's fur.
Severe bleeding of wound can be controlled with bandaging. A sufficient amount of bandage applied to the bleeding also puts on pressure that controls bleeding. The person applying the bandage must make sure that it is not applied too tight as it can cut off the circulation. The bandage has to be checked regularly as risk of infection is high especially if the injured animal is not prevented from doing its usual activities. Swelling and bad odor emanating from the bandaged wound are signs of infection. Keeping the dog indoors while the injury is healing will lessen the risk of infection as the bandage will be kept clean and dry.
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