Bandages for a Dog’s Wound

Dogs sometimes require bandages just like people require bandages, but keeping a bandage on a dog can be a little tricky. Dogs, for obvious reasons, can’t use adhesive bandages, and most dogs try to remove their bandages. In most instances, if dogs don’t want to wear bandages, they’ll succeed in removing them. Dogs will try everything from biting and pulling a bandage to rolling around on the floor in an effort to get rid of it.

This creates a quandary for dog owners. Sometimes dogs need bandages, but fur is a hindrance where bandages are concerned. If a dog requires a bandage to protect and cover a wound, what type of bandage will stay in place?

Before Bandaging Your Dog

The following instructions are intended for bandaging dogs with minor injuries. If your dog has a questionable injury, take your pet to a veterinarian for proper treatment and bandaging instructions. Your veterinarian might prescribe a special collar that will prevent your dog from reaching his wounds.

Bandaging Minor Wounds With Gauze

If your dog doesn’t want to cooperate during the bandaging process, request a little assistance from a friend or family member. Have an assistant hold the leash close to the collar. If you’re attempting to bandage a small puppy, have your assistant hold the puppy by wrapping it in a bath towel for better control. The puppy will be easier to hold when it’s wrapped in this manner, and he’ll feel much safer during the bandaging process.

After the wound has been properly cleaned with antibacterial soap and warm water, thoroughly rinse the area, and pat the wound dry with a clean towel. To help prevent infection, apply a very thin layer of triple antibiotic ointment after cleaning.

The next step is to bandage the wound with gauze. Wrap the gauze around the wound while being careful not to wrap it too tightly. After a sufficient amount of gauze is wrapped around the wound, wrap medical tape around the gauze to hold it securely in place. The tape and bandage should be snug but not tight.

Alternative Bandages

When a dog requires a bandage, tape doesn’t always stay in place, especially if the bandage is on a leg. Instead of tape, try placing an elastic terry cloth wristband over the bandage. Make sure the wristband isn’t too tight, but it should fit snugly.

You can also remove the elastic cuff from an old sock to create a bandage cover. Depending on the size of your dog, a child’s sock usually makes a perfect bandage cover.

The legs from kids pajamas work very well to cover a bandage on the neck. You can also cover a bandaged neck wound on a smaller dog with a portion of the leg of a child’s blanket sleeper. Simply cut the blanket sleeper above the elasticized ankle, and just below the blanket sleeper heal. Bandage the neck as instructed above, and slip the bandage cover over the dog’s head with the gathered side of the fabric facing the dog’s shoulders.

These clever covers are washable, reusable, and they are great for protecting all types of bandages. Although your dog still might try to remove his bandage, the covers add an extra layer of protection. If your dog won’t keep his bandage on and you’re concerned about his wound, see a veterinarian for professional medical treatment and advice.