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Do you share your home with a dog? So you've certainly realized how complex your pet's health can be, since our furry friends are susceptible to numerous conditions, just like us.
It is important that the owner has some basic knowledge about first aid in puppies, however, we must know that these are intended to carry out a quick and urgent intervention, but not to replace veterinary care. It is very important that the dog goes to the vet whenever he needs it, just as it is important that you carry out a proper follow-up at home.
If your dog has suffered from a topical injury, then know how to prevent your dog from scratching the wound it's essential. For that, keep reading this PeritoAnimal article in which we will explain everything you need to know.
scratching and licking the wound
Of course, after being bitten by a mosquito, he scratched the bite non-stop, but this non-stop scratching can cause a slight wound. But scratching a wound or injury that bothers us and causes pain is an instinctive act in all living beings, especially in our companion animals, which preserve their instincts to a greater degree than we do.
The main problem is that this instinctive act can be counterproductive for proper healing of the wound, moreover, excessive scratching and licking causes the release of substances that are pleasant for our dog, which turns this bad habit into a vicious circle. This same lick-reward-lick mechanism is a causal factor in acral granuloma.
Elizabethan necklace
The Elizabethan collar or Elizabethan collar is often used especially after surgical interventions, to prevent the dog from removing the stitches too soon.
It is a highly stressful plastic cone for dogs, as it deprives them of adequate vision and makes their control over the environment lessened. A dog with an Elizabethan collar may exhibit the following behavior:
- Crashes against everyday objects
- don't want to walk
- Snarls and barks if anyone approaches
- Can't eat or drink water
Although the use of this cone is not pleasant for our dog, it is sometimes the best option, especially when we are facing a post-surgical wound.
But we can make this most pleasant experience for the dog, when never approaching him by surprise, talk to him before he realizes he is approaching, stay in front of him to encourage him to walk, remove the furniture that is an obstacle for the pet and raise his feeder and drinking fountain to be able to feed and hydrate without difficulty.
Bandage
The use of a bandage as a tool to prevent the dog from scratching and licking the wound will depend on the type of wound, the type of bandage and the dog's behavior. Let's see these factors in more detail below:
- Wound: Not all wounds can be bandaged. Usually those derived from a surgical intervention are bandaged before the animal is discharged, but on the other hand, lighter ones, such as cuts, can benefit from contact with the open air.
- Bandage: A light bandage may not stop the harmful effects of licking and scratching the wound. While a thick, compressive bandage can help, but this should be defined by the veterinarian.
- Behavior: A dog firmly willing to scratch and lick the wound may be able to destroy even the most complex bandage, so promoting tranquility in the dog and watching him will be crucial to opting for one method or another.
wound protector
To protect those lighter wounds this can be an excellent option, as well as being very comfortable for our pet. These are products in the form of spray or lotions that create a protective film over the wound, thus allowing for adequate healing of the wound.
They can be easily purchased at pharmacies, but it is very important that it is a product for veterinary use, in this sense the best option is to buy it in a pet store.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.