I heard a yelp then ran outside and caught a glimpse of someone running away! I took her to the vet; she confirmed that it was indeed a stab wound. Well, It has been very hard to keep her from scratching while it heals!! My question is...what can I do?? If I keep it covered all the time, it won't heal at all! How can I stop her itching and keep her from scratching at the same time?? Please help!! BTW...She is a big dog...about 75 pounds...! Also, it is in the middle of back...right between the shoulders.
2006-11-08 07:29:36 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
You don't want it to heal from the outside in, so you actually can keep it covered, and sterile (use a triple antibiotic solution, rub it as deep in the wound as possible). If you leave it open the outside will heal before the inside, possibly leading to infection. Just keep it covered, that way it is moist and clean.
2006-11-08 07:40:07 · answer #1 · answered by Wanderer 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Get that stretchy wrap that you can buy in your local stores. Wrap it around the entire body. *when I say entire body I mean under the belly over the shoulder blades* If you have to, do the same thing to her paws. That way if she does try to scratch it, it won't be a pointy, blunt object. Also ask the vet if there's a cream that you can put on it to take away the dryness. Dogs are a lot like humans when we have a scab and it heals it tends to get dry while it heals causing the skin to pull and to itch. Also if you do notice her scratching it, distract her by rubbing her ears or rubbing gently around the wound itself. No pressure, just a slight rub. Hope your dog gets better! Good luck.
2006-11-08 07:36:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
i know this may sound very dumb too you but scratching the wound is a way for the dog to heal its self by scratching of dead skin so it wount get infected also ur dog may lick its wound to another way of a natural healing. you may want to take ur dog to the vet to see if he or she can help u with ur problem if the vet can not help maybe bying him some new toys or bones to keep his mind of the wound . or u could ty a piece of cloth around the wound loosly to give the wound air but like u said u cant keep it tyed up all the time or it wont heal at all but the cloth may keephim from scratching directly into the wound .
sorry about ur dog and GOOD LUCK with helping him out
2006-11-08 08:18:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The vet should be able to give you some knowledge on how to stop this as well as meds to help with the itching. But the first thing that comes to mind is a plastic collar which would prevent the dog from reaching around to her backside. Good Luck, and I'd be looking for the scum that did this.
2006-11-08 07:48:04 · answer #4 · answered by GRUMPY 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Put a t-shirt on her, and make her wear an E-collar (yout vet can give you one)
I had a dog that had a leg amputation, and had the stiches along where her shoulder blade used to be. I put on a tight t-shirt, tied it close to her waist and tied off the empty sleeve to keep her from tripping on any loose t-shirt pieces. It kept the stitches covered after the vet had removed her bandages and she didn't feel the need the scratch at her stitches this way. It's a simple solution!!
2006-11-08 07:37:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
I would definetely go to your vet and ask for advice, but the tee shirt and cone device are the best options that I can think of. Also maybe your vet could offer a special cream to help with your dog's itching.. itching could mean infection
2006-11-08 07:54:40 · answer #6 · answered by wolfgirl1987 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You need to get one of those lamp shade things. this sould keep her from scratching. if it is stitched up the stitches are probably pulling and making her itch. try pubbing benadryl cream around the wound not in it. we used to do that at the vet that i worked for. look at her stitches some my need to come out so that they are not pulling and causeing her undo distress.
I am so sorry for your dog.
I worked at a vet and we had a large pitbutt come in that someone had shot that was trespassing. it did not kill him but he lost a leg.
You have a very brave dog and she was doing her job by taking care of you and your house. who knows what would have happened if she was not there.
I will pray that she gets better.
2006-11-08 07:38:38 · answer #7 · answered by Pamela P 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Give her Chamomile tea, to help her nerve endings calm down, so she doesn't itch so much..
Chamomile tea works very well, and is safe for her. Dump it out of the teabag, and use 1 tablespoon for a large breed. Mix it in a little canned food, such as Mighty Dog, or Cesar's, and give as needed to keep her more comfortable.. It will keep her happy, but reduce stress. It is safe, and can be given as needed.
You will find Chamomile in your grocer's tea section..
She probably saved you from a break-in or worse, so she is your hero! and deserves the very best..
2006-11-08 07:40:23 · answer #8 · answered by Chetco 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That sounds intentional.
I use cortisone spray a lot that you can get at petsmart. Ask your vet about giving her some steroids to help it heal quicker. Between the antibiotics and steriods it will heal a lot quicker. Also neosporin. moisten the skin so she isn't tryng to scratch because its dry.
2006-11-08 07:36:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
My dog had elbow surgery when he was four months old and they had to cut open both elbows! The thing that I found was the best was to put a big old t-shirt on him and tie it in the back where he couldn't reach it. That will at least help it! You could also try giving him a hard bone, one that isn't necessarily meant to be eaten, it will keep him preoccupied when you can't be watching him!
Good luck and sorry about your dog!!! That's awful!!
2006-11-08 07:35:40 · answer #10 · answered by Sandy 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋