2006-10-01 11:13:35 · 6 answers · asked by Trianna737 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
First, clean it off as much as your dog will let you with something like betadine (readily available at any drugstore, and it doesn't sting.) Let the betadine dry on the sore. That's the absolute best way to kill the bacteria....and why we use it as a surgical scrub. (It shouldn't be used in deep wounds unless you have been instructed to do so after an examination by a licensed veterinarian, however.)
If that's not available, stick to just plain soap and water...but you need to make sure to rinse the soap off completely. Whatever you do, do not use hydrogen peroxide. When it fizzes, it just pushes the bacteria deeper into the wound. It also damages the tissue on a cellular level, often just making matters worse. Some of the worst infections I've ever seen started out as minor ones that owners turned into a nasty mess with the use of peroxide.
After that, you can apply a thin layer of Benadryl creme to help alleviate the itching. You'll probably need to distract him for 10-15 minutes to allow it to soak in and do its thing. (If he licks it off after that, it won't matter.) If he stops scratching at the sore, it should heal fine as long as there isn't an underlying cause.
If that doesn't clear it up within a day or two, or if the problem recurs, please schedule an appointment with your DVM to get to the root of the problem in the most cost-effective manner.
2006-10-01 12:27:59 · answer #1 · answered by A Veterinarian 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The best way to clean a wound on a dog is with a canine wound cleaner like Novolsan. If you don't have access to the cleaner, use a mixture of warm, soapy water. Make sure the soap is a mild, antibacterial soap.
Please, do not use peroxide on your pet. It's a little known fact that peroxide can damage soft tissues in your dog, so, by cleaning with it, you can actually do more harm than good.
The underlying question here is "what is causing your dog to scratch"? I reccommend a physical exam with your veterinarian just to rule out avoidable causes. Hot Spots are common in dogs and should be examined. Often times, a dog will need an antibiotic to fight off infection caused by scratching at the flesh.
Good Luck:)
2006-10-01 18:25:59 · answer #2 · answered by SisterBug 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well my pa always had me put the dogs wound in pickle juice and then take cold bacon Greece and cover it. It always worked and the dog got better in half the time it took for stuff bought from a store.
2006-10-01 19:16:29 · answer #3 · answered by oopsy 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
An oatmeal rinse that is gentle enough to leave on the skin without rinsing it off.
2006-10-01 18:16:05 · answer #4 · answered by Bogie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try Gold Bond medicted powder. It will keep them from itching it and it will heal. My mother-in-law has a cocker spaniel who kept itching her ears to the point that they were bleeding. She dusted that powder on them and it soothed the itch. They healed in a few days.
Good luck!!
2006-10-01 18:23:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
EMT gel or spray (from trophy pet care) and vinigar
2006-10-01 18:32:25 · answer #6 · answered by lizzy_2121990 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋